In my years of field experience, I’ve come across countless stinging insects. While North America is home to over 4,400 bee species, wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets are different species with their own characteristics and habitats.
In this guide, we’ll dive into distinguishing bees, hornets, wasps, and yellowjackets, with key identifying features of each.
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Bees vs. Wasps
There are over 18,000 types of wasps in North America, belonging to the order Hymenoptera along with bees and ants.
Wasps don’t build hives or honeycombs like bees. Paper wasps, for example, construct nests from a paper-like material they produce with wood pulp and saliva. Mud daubers, another wasp species, build homes out of mud.
Wasp nests are typically small, containing between 50 to 100 workers. In contrast, a single beehive can contain thousands of bees.
Unlike bees, a wasp can sting multiple times, but wasps will only sting if their nest is actively disturbed.
Bees vs. Hornets
European hornets look similar to bees. They have yellow and black stripes down their bodies to warn predators not to bother them. Unlike honeybees, hornets sting multiple times without dying.
Hornet nests look similar to those of paper wasps. The fertilized female (queen) lays eggs in individual cells, and after about six to eight days, they hatch.
Bald-faced hornets, with black and white coloration, are one of the most combative species, repeatedly stinging anyone who gets close to their nest. If you usually have an allergy to bee stings, you may need medical help after being stung by bald-faced hornets.
Bees vs. Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets are predatory social wasps that have close to the same color scheme as worker bees. However, unlike honey bees, which are hairy, yellowjackets are smooth and nearly hairless.
Yellowjackets build paper nests made from the pulp of wood fibers. Although you’ll find them in outdoor areas, they prefer to protect their homes in locations around houses, in or under:
- Porches and patios
- Openings in eaves and overhangs
- Attics
- Crawl spaces
- Tool sheds
German yellowjackets are an invasive species that sometimes build their nests in attic spaces. Their colonies can reach over 15,000 workers. That means their nests can be as much as five feet wide and three feet deep.
Are Bees, Hornets, Wasps and Yellowjackets Dangerous?
While bees, hornets, wasps and yellowjackets play crucial roles in our ecosystem, they can pose certain risks to humans. Here’s a breakdown of the potential dangers associated with each:
Bees
- Most bees are generally non-aggressive and will only sting when threatened.
- Honey bees can only sting once, as their stinger detaches after use, leading to the bee’s death.
- For most people, a bee sting causes temporary pain and swelling.
- About 2% of the population is allergic to bee venom, which can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that needs immediate medical attention.
Hornets
- Hornets are more aggressive than bees and can sting multiple times.
- Their stings are typically more painful than bee stings due to a higher concentration of acetylcholine in their venom.
- Hornets can be particularly dangerous when their nests are disturbed, as they may attack in swarms.
Wasps
- Like hornets, wasps can sting multiple times and tend to be more aggressive than bees.
- Yellowjackets and paper wasps are common types that can be a nuisance around homes.
- Wasp stings can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, allergic reactions.
- They become more aggressive in late summer and early fall as their food sources dwindle.
While these insects are generally not seeking to harm humans, it’s important to exercise caution, especially around nests or hives. If you suspect you’re allergic to stings or experience severe symptoms after being stung, seek medical attention immediately. For large infestations or nests in problematic areas, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service for safe removal.
Final Thoughts
Bees, wasps, and hornets are all vital pollinators of their ecosystems. However, having an infestation of stinging insects under your porch presents a challenge.
Bee nests are difficult to remove on your own, especially if you’re allergic to bee stings. Do some research on how much removing bees costs and consider your options. You could hire a certified beekeeper, but they typically only remove honeybee hives with a surviving queen. For that reason, it’s best to start with a qualified pest control provider. Their technicians have the training and experience to tackle even the most extensive infestations of bees, wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets.
