Bees, hornets and wasps can all set up housekeeping in or around a human dwelling. These insects can sting, sometimes repeatedly, which is why careful management of their nest location is essential.

Understanding the Difference Between Honeybees, Yellow Jackets and Wasps

When you come across a buzzing insect in your yard, you might not think much of it. However, if you come across a few dozen or more, this should set off your internal alarm bells. A service for pest control in Las Vegas can help you remove the pests, but it is important to know what you are dealing with first.

Identifying Bees

Honeybees measure about an inch long. Their abdomen is hairy or fuzzy and has strips of reddish brown and black. Honeybees live in colonies that can number well into the thousands. Bumblebees are rounded in shape and black and yellow, but their hairs are finer than a honeybee’s hairs. The worker honeybees will sting if they are threatened. Female bumblebees can sting repeatedly. It is never a good idea to remove a hive on your own, because thousands of bees could come out of it and sting you.

Identifying Wasps

Wasps have a broad, hairless abdomen. They are often striped yellow and black. They come in different varieties, but the most common type in North America that you might see around your barn, shed, house or yard is a yellow jacket. The females can sting repeatedly. They release smells that attract other wasps to the area, and they will also respond by stinging. Wasps are often called a “meat bee” because they are attracted to raw or cooked meats and sweets, and they will hover around trash cans.

Finding Nests and Hives

Wasps have underground nests. You might not realize there is a wasp’s nest around until you step into it and hundreds of the insects come out to sting. Wasps, honeybees and bumblebees will typically nest in a tree or on logs. You might find them nesting in your outdoor wood pile. They can also nest in a home’s siding or chimney.