The difference between Bees and Wasps

The difference between Bees and Wasps

Bees-vs-Wasps.png

If you suspect that there’s a beehive or wasps’ nest in your yard or home, leave them alone. Both can sting you, and only professionals should try to remove them. Still, there are some significant differences you should know. 

Bees have rounded bodies while wasps have a pinched “waist” between their body segments. Bees create wax combs for hives while wasps’ nests look like they’re made of paper. Bees are pollinators, focusing mostly on finding pollen for food; they are less likely to bother people. Wasps are predatory and feed on insects. As predators, they are more likely to come after people. Bees always live in social groups, but wasps may be social or solitary. 

Bees typically only sting a human once. Stinging tears away part of their bodies, and then they die. Wasps retain their stingers and can sting repeatedly. If the insect dies after a sting, either on its own or by your hand, its mates may come after you if the nest is close. Seek shelter immediately if you suspect this could happen.

Those with sting allergies usually carry an epi-pen and know to call a doctor. For others, a single sting is irritating but typically not serious. Scrape the stinger out with a playing card or other straight-edged item to avoid injecting more venom. Ice can reduce the swelling, and over-the-counter medicines can help with pain and itching. If the sting seems infected or doesn’t improve quickly, or if there were multiple stings, consult a doctor. 

Remember, whether wasps or bees have made a home on your property, do not disturb them or try to remove them yourself. Always call a pest-control professional who knows how to remove them safely. 

div#stuning-header .dfd-stuning-header-bg-container {background-image: url(https://www.homepest.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/HomeFeaturedImage.jpeg);background-size: initial;background-position: top center;background-attachment: initial;background-repeat: initial;}#stuning-header div.page-title-inner {min-height: 650px;}