Bees and wasps: we see them buzzing around, especially when the weather warms up. But are they the same? And how can you tell the difference between a bee hive and a wasp nest?
Many people are afraid of bees — or have apiphobia — and it’s understandable to be concerned when you spot either insect nearby. For your safety, and for the safety of the insects, it’s important to know what you’re looking at before you take action.
This article is a guide to help you identify bee hives and wasp nests, understand the differences between them, and learn a little more about the fascinating world of bees and wasps and their nesting habits. There are many different species of both, and they all have unique ways of building their homes.
Key Differences Between Bees and Wasps: A Comparative Overview
Bees and wasps are both stinging insects, but they have some key differences that can help you tell them apart.
Physical Characteristics
Bees tend to be fuzzy and have a stouter body shape, along with specialized body parts for gathering pollen.
Wasps are generally more slender and smooth-bodied, with a more defined waist — that classic “wasp waist” that gives them their name.
Behavior
Bees are generally chill, more focused on gathering pollen and nectar than on stinging. Honeybees, for example, are usually docile unless they perceive that their hive is in danger.
Wasps can be more aggressive, particularly if you get near their nests. Many wasps hunt other insects for food. Yellow jackets, in particular, are known for their aggressive behavior.
Social Structure
Bee colonies are complex and can last for years. They include a queen, worker bees, and drones.
Wasp colonies tend to be annual affairs, with only the queen surviving through the winter. Wasp nests are often temporary and won’t be reused in subsequent years.
Identifying Bee Hives: Structure, Location, and Residents
If you’re trying to figure out whether you’ve found a beehive, here’s what to look for:
Nest Structure
Bees build their hives out of wax, forming a series of hexagonal compartments or combs. These combs are used to raise baby bees and to store honey. The honeycombs are probably the most distinctive feature of a beehive. The whole structure is precise and highly organized.
Nest Location
Honeybees like to nest in sheltered spots like hollow trees, inside walls, or in human-built hives. Bumblebees often build their nests in the ground or in abandoned rodent holes.
Residents
Take a minute to observe the insects that are going in and out of the nest. Bees are fuzzy and tend to carry pollen on their bodies.
Honeybees are usually golden brown or black and yellow. Bumblebees are big and fuzzy, usually black and yellow, but some species have orange or reddish markings.
Identifying Wasp Nests: Structure, Location, and Residents
Wasp nests and beehives look different, and the insects that live in them look different too. Here’s what to look for when you’re trying to figure out what kind of insect home you’re seeing.
Nest Structure
Wasp nests are made of a papery material, because wasps chew wood fibers to create their nests. The nest material gives them a unique look.
Wasp nests can be all different shapes, ranging from spherical to umbrella-shaped.
Nest Location
Wasp nests are often aerial, meaning they hang from trees, eaves, or other structures. You’ll often see paper wasps building nests under the eaves of a house.
Some species, like yellow jackets, nest in the ground, in old rodent burrows or other cavities.
Residents
Take a moment to watch the insects as they come and go from the nest. Wasps have a very narrow waist that differentiates them from bees.
Paper wasps are slender and brown, while yellow jackets are black and yellow.
Hornets are bigger than other wasps, and they can be black and white or brown and orange.
Common nest look-a-likes: solitary bees and hornet nests
While you’re out trying to figure out whether you’re looking at a beehive or a wasp nest, you may run into a few nests that seem similar. Here are a couple of nests you might confuse with bee or wasp nests:
Solitary bees
Unlike honeybees or bumblebees, solitary bees don’t form colonies. Instead, they make individual tunnels in the ground, in wood, or in stems. These nests are often small and hard to spot.
Hornet nests
Hornet nests are big, papery-looking structures that are often built high up in trees or in other sheltered spots. Hornets are great at catching flies and other insect pests, so there’s a case to be made for letting them do their thing. European hornets sometimes nest in cavities, like honeybees do.
Differentiating factors
To tell what kind of nest you’re looking at, pay attention to the insects’ behavior. Solitary bees tend to be less aggressive than bees or wasps. You’ll also want to note the nest’s structure and location. Hornet nests are usually bigger and more elaborate than wasp nests.
Safety considerations: When to leave nests alone and when to seek professional help
Before you take any action, consider how much of a threat the nest poses. Think about where it is and how close it is to where people spend time.
If the nest is out of the way and the insects aren’t aggressive, it’s probably best to leave it alone. Some wasps and bees actually help control other pests.
However, you should call a professional if:
- You’re allergic to stings
- The nest is large or near areas with lots of activity
- You can’t identify the insect or gauge its danger
Wasp infestations, in particular, usually require professional pest control. And if you need to remove a honeybee colony, call a beekeeper, especially if you live in an area with Africanized bees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a bee hive and a nest?
A bee hive is a structured, often permanent, dwelling built by social bees, like honeybees. It’s usually made of wax and houses a large colony with a queen, workers, and drones. A nest, while sometimes used interchangeably, can refer to a broader range of dwellings built by various insects, including solitary bees and wasps. These nests are often less complex and may be temporary.
How to tell if it’s a bee or wasp nest?
The appearance of the structure is a key indicator. Bee hives are typically waxy, often with visible honeycomb cells. Wasp nests, on the other hand, are usually papery and made from chewed wood pulp. Also, observe the insects themselves. Bees are fuzzy and round, while wasps tend to be more slender with a distinct waist.
What is the best way to eliminate a bee hive or wasp nest?
The “best” way depends on the location, size, and type of infestation. For bee hives, especially honeybee hives, it’s best to contact a local beekeeper for safe relocation rather than extermination, as bees are vital pollinators. For wasp nests, commercial wasp sprays can be effective, but caution is crucial. For large or hard-to-reach nests, professional pest control services are recommended.
In Conclusion
Bee hives and wasp nests are often confused, but they’re quite different in their construction, inhabitants, and behavior. Bees typically build waxy, organized hives, are generally docile unless provoked, and play a critical role in pollination. Wasps, on the other hand, build papery nests, can be aggressive, and contribute to pest control.
Understanding the difference between the two can help you interact with them safely. While it’s important to protect yourself and your family from potential stings, it’s also important to remember that both bees and wasps play valuable roles in our ecosystem.
Before removing a nest, consider the potential impact on the environment and whether there are alternative solutions that don’t involve harming these beneficial insects. If you’re unsure, consult with a professional pest control service that prioritizes responsible and environmentally conscious practices.