Bees, Hornets, Wasps
Bees, hornets and wasps are for the most part a very beneficial group of insects. They are major pollinators of flowering plants. They are categorized as either solitary or social. Solitary species are those that live independently of each other, while social species live together in colonies or nests. Common solitary groups include carpenter bees, mud daubers, and velvet ants. Social groups include bumble bees, honey bees, hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets.
Bees, wasps and hornets can be recognized by the constriction at the base of the abdomen. They have 4 wings with the front wings being a little longer than the hind wings. Females have a well-developed ovipositor modified into a stinger. It is necessary to know which group of bees, hornets or wasps you are encountering. Knowledge of whether they are solitary or social and their nesting habits is essential for safety and control.
Bees, wasps and hornets have a complete metamorphosis. With the onset of cold weather, except for honeybees, the workers, and males die off leaving only the inseminated queens to over-winter. Adults of social species feed on nectar, honeydew, sap and fruit juices. Other groups are scavengers and predators.
The honeybee is 2/3″, yellow and black/brown, with hairs covering the body. The nest of the honeybee is made of wax cells, typically in voids and under slab foundations. The honeybee can sting.
The bumblebee is 1″, black and yellow body, covered with hairs. The nest of the bumblebee is made of wax cells, typically below ground, but sometimes in walls or under slabs. The bumblebee can also sting.
Hornets and yellow jackets are about 3/4″. They are black with yellow or white markings. Yellow jackets typically nest underground in large globular nests made of paper material. Nests may be built in an aerial location. Hornets nests are usually large and globular papery material attached to tree limbs or structural overhangs. Both Hornets and yellow jackets can sting.
Paper wasps are 3/4″-1″, black or brown with red and a few yellow markings. Wasps build a paper comb of cells that open downward and are common under eaves, window frames and decks. Wasps can also sting.
Mud daubers are 3/4″-1″, black and yellow, metallic blue or shiny black in color. They are solitary bees that build nests of clay or mud, usually along eaves or in garages. Mud daubers rarely sting.
Velvet Ants are not true ants but are solitary bees. They are 1/2″-1″, wingless, covered with hair and are bright red to orange in color. Nests are solitary on the ground. Velvet ants sting only when handled, stepped on or trapped.
