The Differences Between Wasps and Bees
Megan Pinneo
Differences Between Wasps and Bees with
Black Knight Pest Control
Black Knight Pest Control dives into the common differences between Wasps and Bees.
If you find yourself in the middle of Bee or Wasp Problem and need the help of experienced professionals in Southern California, Black Knight Pest Control has a full team of Bee Control Experts.
Call to schedule a Bee Inspection today to get started.
Wasps Vs. Bees
What could the differences bee? (Pun intended)
Wasps Bees
Beneficial to the Ecosystem
Wasp are a natural “Pest Control.” Feeding on flies, crickets, and caterpillars, along with other insects. By praying on other insects wasp help contribute to crop growth.
Bees are pollinators! Bees are essential insects relying on the facts that they gather, and distribute 80% of the pollen that is need by most vegetables and fruit. Which is the reason why Black Knight Bee Control will always relocate a Bee Colony when it is safe to do so.
How Wasps and Bees Look
Wasps have a slender smooth body with little amount of hair on their legs, and a cylinder shaped abdomen.
Bees on the other hand have a round hairy body with wide flat legs.
Nesting Habits of Bees and Wasps
Bee seek out voids in walls, hallow trees, even an underground irrigation box to build their hives in. Places like these help insure the colonies protection.
Wasps have NO wax producing glads like the Honey Bee. Rather wasps create their own nests from wood pulp which is more of a paper like substance.
Behavior of Wasps and Bees
Over 75% of bees are solitary in nature. They live and raise their offspring alone. Each female bee builds and protects their own nest.
Wasps are considered to be both solitary and social insects.
Closing with a common misconception between Wasps and Bees.
Wasps are NOT bees, although they belong to the same order of insects. Wasps are carnivores feeding on other insects, while bees are vegetarians, collecting nectar and pollen for their young. Another misconception is that only bees produce honey, this is false when it comes to the Mexican Honey Wasp, that actually do produce honey. Some have said that it is safe to remove a wasp or bee nest in the night as that is when they are less active, but this is not true. The rumor may be founded in truth, in that it is a bit safer to remove a nest at night, but it does not mean it is certain you will not be harmed in the process. Bees and wasp still have the potential to sting you both in the night and in the day, especially if it is in defense of protecting their hive. That being said, contacting a local Bee Professional in Riverside and San Diego County is the best plan of action against a bee or wasp problem. A sting from a bee or wasp can be harmful to humans and pets, and should be treated as so.