Confusion continues about \”good\” bees who pollinate our nation’s food supply and stinging insects like wasps and hornets. Honey bees are responsible for pollinating flowering plant crops like almonds, apples, kiwis, and strawberries. Unfortunately, threats exists endangering the health of honey bees and efforts are underway to stop their decline. On the other hand, stinging insects like hornets and wasps pose a danger to humans when their nests are near homes, schools and businesses. If you have a question about what insect you’re seeing, reach out to Raven Termite and Pest Control. We are exterminators in Glen Burnie, and we treat residential and commercial properties across the area.
The Difference Between Bees, Wasps, and Hornets
Bumblebees are yellow and black with a fuzzy texture. You’ll find their wax nests in dark cavities or in the ground. These bees sting only when provoked.
Honey bees are yellow-orange in color. They swarm during spring and this action may scare people. However, they are very docile and they only swarm when some bees leave the hive with the old queen. Honey bees prefer to build a nest in a sheltered location like a hollow tree. Swarms of honey bees are valuable to beekeepers! Most local beekeeping clubs can provide a list of beekeepers willing to collect swarms.
Wasps, unlike bees, have an hourglass shape. Their nests are easily identifiable because wasps use materials such as mud or clay. Wasps build bests in trees, on porch ceilings, and under eaves or doors. Not only is their sting painful, but they’re known to sting multiple times.
Hornets are usually mistaken for bees because they’re brown and yellow. Though they’re usually found in the forest, they’re drawn to lights and may bang against your windows at night.
Yellowjackets have yellow and black bands across their abdomen. They nest in bushes or in the ground around plants or logs.
If you notice that a colony of insects built a nest around your home or business, it’s important that you have a pro identify the insect. Most importantly, it is very dangerous to try to remove these insects on your own. And should you locate a honey bee nest, they need to be handled with care.
Looking for Exterminators Glen Burnie?
Raven Termite and Pest Control has over 18 years of experience in the pest control industry. We are fully licensed and offer dependable, environmentally friendly, and affordable pest control service to our customers. We offer one-time, monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly pest agreements. For more information about our services, click here!
