Wasps and bees are both important because of the job they do as pollinators, but both types of insects are also feared because of their painful, and sometimes dangerous, stings. Although they are closely related, there are many differences between wasps and bees, especially in how they are controlled. Learning the differences may help you better prevent and control bees and wasps around your home.
Appearance
Honeybees are about 2.5 cm long and typically have brown or black bodies with orange or yellow striations. Bees tend to be more cylindrical in shape and are very hairy. This is important because the hair allows the pollen to stick to their bodies so that they can transport it back to the hive.
Although wasps can be similar to bees in coloring, they have a much different body shape. Where bees are round and fuzzy, wasps have a narrow waist and smooth, shiny skin. Wasps can come in many bright colors and patterns, but the most common species that bother humans tend to be black and yellow.
Behavior
Bees typically do not sting unless they are provoked or need to defend themselves. Honeybees can only sting one time because their stinger is barbed and will remain in the victim. Bumblebees have a smooth stinger, so they can sting multiple times if necessary, but they are not usually aggressive. Honeybees live in large hives that can have up to 75,000 members. They work together for the good of the hive. Honeybees do not hibernate, but instead rely on the honey reserves they have stored up.
Wasps are naturally aggressive insects. If bothered, they can sting multiple times. During most of the year, wasps will act as predators that will consume other insects. During the fall when the queen stops laying eggs, many of the workers will turn into scavengers that are especially attracted to sweet foods and carbohydrates. This is when they most often become a pest around homes and yards. As winter approaches, most species of wasps will return to the nest to hibernate.
Control Methods
Both bees and wasps do important work to pollinate plants, but bees are far more important in this process. Their bodies are built to hold on to pollen, so they are much more effective. Unfortunately, bees are dying off in large numbers, which will affect all of us in the long run. Control of bees is necessary around homes and yards since some people are extremely allergic to stings, but it usually involves carefully and safely removing the hive and relocating it to an area away from people.
Since wasps are more likely to sting and become a nuisance to humans, wasp control is approached a little differently. Radar Pest Control specializes in Sunshine Coast wasp control. Our expert technicians will inspect your property and assess the best methods for controlling the wasps. Control may involve knocking down wasp nests under the eaves of the home, using a residual treatment to prevent future wasps, and various other methods. If you are in need of wasp control, contact Radar Pest Control today.