Interesting Information About Bees, Hornets, and Wasps 

Bees, wasps, and hornets are much-maligned insects, feared for their nasty protective stingers. Although some species can be aggressive, many avoid humans and other animals altogether.  

More importantly, these insects are critical to agriculture and the ecosystem at large. If they became extinct, the world’s food supply would be drastically reduced. Bees pollinate up to 84% of crops, accounting for up to $577 billion in food production every year. Produce sections at local grocery stores would be reduced to half. Dairy production would suffer, and a ripple effect would likely cascade throughout the food chain. 

Bees vs. Wasps and Hornets 

Many people use the three terms interchangeably. However, there are key differences between bees, wasps, and hornets. Bees usually build hives in protected cavities and live in colonies. They exit the hive to collect pollen and nectar.  

Wasps and hornets may live in colonies or as solitary insects. They lack wax-producing glands and do not create beeswax or honey. Their nests are usually built from wood pulp and look papery or muddy. Other key identifying traits include the following: 

  • Bees’ bodies and legs are hairy, while hornets and wasps have smooth legs and bodies. 
  • Hornets and wasps have cylindrical abdomens and thoraxes, while bees’ legs are round. 
  • Bees have wide, flat legs, while hornets’ and wasps’ legs are waxy and round. 

Bee, Wasp, and Hornet Stings 

Getting stung can be painful and may also trigger allergic reactions in some people. After a sting, inspect the area. If the stinger is lodged inside the skin, use tweezers or a fingernail to scrape it out. Try not to squeeze or pull it, which can release additional venom into the tissue. Wash the area with soap and warm water and then apply ice. 

Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever may alleviate discomfort. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience excessive swelling, nausea, dizziness, or trouble breathing.  

Signs of an Infestation 

You may see swarms of bees, hornets, or wasps, or you may locate nests. The size, shape, and location of nests vary among different species. Some burrow into the ground, others make freestanding nests, and others tunnel into wood.  

Because of the crucial role these insects play in the ecosystem, it’s best to leave them alone unless they are a threat to people, pets, or structures. In those cases, it’s advisable to seek help from professionals.  

Types of Bees 

Bees play a critical role as significant pollinators in the ecosystem by eating pollen and helping plants and crops thrive. They have wide, hairy bodies and lose their stingers after they sting. Common types of bees include carpenter bees and honey bees. 

A close-up photograph of a bee in mid-flight, captured from behind. The bee's body is black with a yellow head, and its wings are blurred due to rapid movement. The background is a soft, out-of-focus greyish-brown.

Carpenter Bees 

Named for its nesting habit of tunneling into wood, the carpenter bee can create significant destruction. Territorial in nature, males may whirl around people and pets to warn them away but are harmless. Females have stingers, but they only sting when threatened. Carpenter bees average 3/4 to 1 inch in size, with round bodies. Their thorax is covered in yellow, white, or orange hairs, and the abdomen is black and hairless. 

A close-up of a bee collecting nectar from a vibrant purple daisy-like flower. The bee's fuzzy body and delicate wings are clearly visible, as it delicately rests on the flower's yellow center. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the flower and bee.

Honey Bees 

The honey bee plays a critical role in pollinating fruits, vegetables, and other crops. They also produce beeswax and honey. Honeybees average 1/2 to 5/8 inch and have golden brown bodies with black stripes. They aren’t typically aggressive, but they can use their barbed stingers when needed. After stinging once, however, honey bees die. 

Types of Hornets and Wasps 

Unlike bees, hornets and wasps don’t lose their stingers, making it possible for them to sting more than once. They have mostly hairless, slender bodies with tapered waists. Common types found in Western Massachusetts include European, Cicada Killer, Yellow Jacket, Bald Face, Digger, Mason Potter, Mud Dauber, Paper, Spider, and Velvet Ant wasps.  

Close-up of an Asian giant hornet, also known as a murder hornet, showing its distinctive reddish-brown head, yellow and black striped abdomen, and large mandibles. The insect is resting on a dark surface with a blurred background.

European Hornets 

These hornets are often confused with yellow jackets, but European hornets are less aggressive. They are among the country’s larger stinging insects, but they rarely bother people. However, when threatened, they can deliver multiple, venomous stings that usually cause swelling, itching, and redness. They average 1 inch long and have thick, black bodies toward their head end and yellow in the rear. Some are dark red and yellow. 

A close-up of an insect, resembling a wasp with a black and yellow striped abdomen, resting on a green leaf. The insect has transparent wings and reddish-brown body. The background is blurred, highlighting the leaves and insect.

Cicada Killer Wasps 

Frighteningly large, but relatively harmless, these wasps can grow up to 2 inches long and look fierce and scary. As the name indicates, cicada killer wasps feed on and kill cicadas, which can damage trees and other plants. Although they rarely pose a danger to people, cicada killer wasps can cause damage throughout lawns as they burrow underground. 

Close-up of a wasp resting on a green leaf. The wasp has a distinctive black and yellow striped pattern on its body, with translucent wings and orange antennae. The background is blurred, highlighting the vibrant green of the leaf and the details of the wasp.

Yellow Jacket Wasps 

Yellow jackets are aggressive, predatory wasps that release a chemical when crushed or swatted that acts like a beacon to summon other yellow jackets to the area. They average 1/2 inch long with shiny yellow and black bodies. Yellow jacket stings can be painful and trigger allergic reactions. 

A black and yellow wasp with translucent wings is perched on a rough, gray wooden surface. The wasp has prominent black antennae and detailed body segments. It is facing left, and its wings are partially spread.

Bald-Faced Hornets 

With their characteristic ivory markings on their thorax, face, abdomen, and legs, bald-faced hornets have a unique appearance. This relative of the yellow jacket is similarly aggressive and will attack humans and other animals. Bald-faced hornets measure 3/4 inch long on average. 

A close-up of a wasp with black and orange coloring perched on a cluster of vibrant pink flowers. The wasp's antennae are angled forward, and its wings are partially spread. The background is a soft, blurred mix of green hues.

Digger Wasps 

Unlike some of the more aggressive wasps, digger wasps are beneficial. These non-social burrowing wasps consume grubs, helping to keep lawns healthier. Males are aggressive and typically dive bomb possible threats. Most digger wasps are around 1 inch in size. 

Close-up of a colorful cuckoo wasp perched on a green floral bud amid blurry greenery. The wasp has a shiny black body with vibrant red and orange markings and transparent wings. Surrounding the wasp are small flowers and slender plant stems.

Mason and Potter Wasps 

Mason and potter wasps are often grouped together due to similarities in using non-tree nesting materials and the characteristics they share with mud daubers. These wasps are insect predators that range from 3/8 to 3/4 inches in size. They can sting but are rarely aggressive. 

A black and yellow wasp stands on a green, slightly curved leaf. Its elongated body features prominent yellow markings, thin legs, and a long antenna. The leaf displays some darkened spots, while the background is dark, making the wasp the focal point.

Mud Dauber Wasps 

Mud dauber wasps are among the least dangerous to humans. They are not aggressive and typically calm. Mud daubers average 1 inch in size, with black or blue bodies that frequently have a metallic sheen or yellow markings. 

A close-up shot of several wasps attending to their hexagonal paper nest. The nest has both open and sealed cells, with one cell partially sealed. The wasps feature yellow and brown coloration and are clustered around the nest, which is set in a natural environment.

Paper Wasps 

The sting of a paper wasp can be painful and trigger an allergic reaction in some people. These wasps average 3/4 to 1 inch in size and are brown with orange or yellow markings on their bodies. They aren’t usually aggressive, but they will defend their nests when threatened. 

Spider Wasps 

Spider wasps have all black bodies, with some species sporting an orange striped abdomen. They have amber colored wings and large stingers. Spider wasps aren’t aggressive toward humans and feed on arachnids. 

Velvet Ant Wasps 

Despite its name and appearance, which looks like an ant, these bright red and black striped wasps produce a painful sting. They rarely attack, however, and prefer to run from humans and other sources of danger. Velvet wasp ants range from 1/8 to 1 inch long and have hourglass-shaped bodies. 

Horntail Wasps 

Often called wood wasps, these pests burrow into the wood of trees and timber, with some occasionally emerging from processed wood used in construction. Although they leave unsightly holes behind, they do not sting or bite. Horntail wasps average 1 inch long and have black, reddish-brown, or blue bodies with yellow or red markings. 

Benefits of Professional Bee, Hornet, and Wasp Control in New York and Massachusetts

The line between beneficial bugs and harmful predators isn’t always very clear. Acting on your own could lead to inadvertently killing the good guys or ineffectively eliminating stinging, biting, harmful bees, wasps, or hornets.  

When these insects move into a residential or commercial property, the experts at USX Pest are ready to take action. Technicians will come to your home or business and perform a detailed free inspection to assess the situation, identify the pests, and create a plan customized to the unique property and circumstances. We have the education, experience, and equipment needed to eliminate the problem safely and effectively.  

Schedule a Free Inspection With USX Pest Control Today 

Don’t get stung by trying to handle bees, wasps, and hornets on your own. Contact USX Pest online or by phone at 855-761-1550 to start the process.