What Is the Difference Between a Bee and a Wasp?

Geiger's Pest Services

Although most people understand the importance of pest control, not everyone knows the difference between wasps and bees. Both insects can give painful stings, but bees and wasps don’t always behave in the same way. Not being able to tell these insects apart can cause problems that you will want to avoid. The good news is that you can protect yourself by learning the key factors that separate bees from wasps, and you will be able to choose the best course of action if you spot one of them in your yard or near your home. 

Appearance

Learning the appearance of bees and wasps is a good place from which to start when your goal is to discover how to tell them apart. When you look at a bee, you will notice a long and fat body, two sets of wings and bright colors. Since wasps often look similar to bees, determining the type of insect with which you are dealing can be a challenge. If you see a pest that has a long and thin body, you are looking at a wasp. You could still find it difficult to make the distinction, but you will improve with time and practice. 

Behavior

In addition to looking at their bodies, watching the behavior of insects can also help you decide if you are dealing with a bee or wasp. Most bees are not aggressive and have no interest in attacking people unless someone provokes them. Until you go out of your way to threaten bees, they are unlikely to be interested in you. Wasps are much more aggressive and will not hesitate to sting if they get the chance, and they can do so several times. Africanized honey bees, however, are highly aggressive and extremely dangerous, and you won’t want to manage them alone. While bees are social creatures and work together to collect honey and build hives, many wasps hunt alone.

How We Can Help

Whether you have bees or wasps on your property, trying to eliminate them without the guidance of an expert is not wise. These insects will sting when they feel as though they are in danger, and you don’t want to make yourself a target. Our team has the training and equipment needed to exterminate bees and wasps safely and to remove their nests, preventing another infestation from taking place. We will have your pest problem contained before you know it, and you will see why coming to us was a good idea. 

Getting Started

If you are ready to get started so that you can put your bee or wasp problem to rest, you can reach out to Geiger’s Pest Services right away. Our dedicated experts will get rid of the insects quickly and safely, and you will know that you are in good hands when we arrive. Because we always put in the effort to make our customers happy, we have earned the trust and respect of the community, and we are excited to show you what we can do.