different species of bees

Different Types of Bees

When something buzzes past your ear and is more significant than a fly, it is time to be cautious.  Thousands of people are rushed to the hospital every day because of stinging insects. Sting allergies are a common phenomenon, but in extreme cases can lead to death. It is thus essential to inspect your house regularly to ensure there are no hives or nests of bees and wasps. To determine the amount of caution you need to exercise, it is necessary for you to be aware of the different types of bees.

To bee or not to bee?

Bees are one of the most common types of stinging insects. There are different types of bees, and the stings of a few can be particularly dangerous. It is essential to identify the species of bees, in order to be alert, aware and safe. Knowing the type of bee will also help in determining the kind of medical help needed after a bee sting.

Different types of bees –

• Bumble Bees

Do bumblebees sting? Yes, and the pain can last for days. They can sting multiple times, in fact.  Even though they are beneficial insects and help in pollination, a bumble bee nest close to a building (they usually make nests in attics or under roof beams) can be a threat. Bumble bees are almost an inch long, with black with yellow stripes, and have a layer of fuzz on them.  If you see a bumble bee nest inside or outside your house, do not approach it or try to remove it yourself.

• Carpenter Bees

These solitary insects are almost an inch long and resemble bumble bees except they have a shiny abdominal region.  Carpenter bees are usually found in decaying wood. These bees do not have a stinger (males), and the female carpenter bee does not usually sting (despite her stinger’s potency). However, carpenter bees can be territorial and can also cause structural damage.

• Honey Bees (western honey bee species)

These orange-brown ½ inch sized bees are not a threat unless their hive is attacked or disturbed. Honey bees are defensive and attack only when they feel their hive is in danger. It is necessary to either remove the hive or decide to learn how to manage or rear it afterward. The infamous “killer bee” is actually an Africanised honey bee ( a hybrid of the western honey bee species) and is not very commonly found in households, contrary to popular belief. These bees die after stinging, as their abdomen gets ripped off along with the stinger.

It is necessary to deal any kind of bee nest/hive in order to maintain safety within and around the house.

Are bees the only kind of common stinging insect? No…

What are hornets?

Hornets are a type of eusocial wasp that can have a painful sting.  There are different types of hornets –

1. • Baldface Hornets

The black-bodied white-faced hornets have large nests found in exposed locations. Baldface hornets are beneficial insects, but if their nest is too close to humans, it can lead to risky situations. It is best to use external pest control to deal with such wasps.

1. • European Hornets (Giant Hornets)

These 1 inch long hornets have brown and yellow stripes and a pale face. European hornets typically build paper carton nests, and their nests can be found in hollow trees, barns, and attics. They sting only when threatened, but when they do so, it is painful

1. • Mud Daubers

They’re solitary black-with-pale-markings wasps. They construct mud nests under leaves, porch ceilings, barns, and attics. They are beneficial insects and can control the spider population, but mud daubers can pose a risk to humans if the nests are too close to the house.

1. • Paper Wasp

Paper wasps are brown-colored wasps that use paper like substances to make their nests (hanging from trees and porch ceilings, behind doors, on railings, etc.). They are beneficial insects that can control many other pest species. If you find a paper wasp nest in your house, it is best not to touch it (as they can get defensive and sting). Call pest control for help!

1. • Velvet Ants

Velvet ants are wasps that build nests in the sandy soil. The female velvet ant is hairy and black with patches of bright red, while her male counterpart is much less hairy and has wings. Their sting is very potent (they are called “cow killers”), which is why their nest is one that should be immediately dealt with (but not directly by you!).

1. • Yellowjackets

These wasps have a black-and-yellow color pattern and live in nests of a paper carton.  They have both ground-based and aerial nests. Yellowjackets are slow to sting and are beneficial insects, but it is essential to keep them away from buildings and humans.

 

Different Types of Bees

We have looked at the different types of stinging insects, but remember never to take matters into your own hand. Do not charge in the case of stinging insects headlong!

So are you worried about stinging insects? Confused about how to deal with bees and wasps? Still unsure of whether or not the insects in your house are dangerous?

Here’s your safe solution: Nassau County Pest Control

We at Nassau County Pest Control understand the worry and nuisance associated with dangerous stinging insects. Our pest control service will ensure removal of the stinging insect nest without any fuss. You don’t have to fret over being stung when our pest control service is available for your convenience! Fast and efficient, our service will leave you feeling relieved and safe. After we are done, the only Queen Bee you’ll have to deal with will be the one on the radio!