Spotting a buzzing insect near your home can cause immediate concern—especially if you’re unsure whether it’s a bee, wasp, or hornet. While these stinging insects may look similar at a glance, they have key differences in appearance, behavior, and the risks they pose. Knowing how to tell them apart can help you respond appropriately, whether that means leaving them alone or calling a pest control professional. So, what’s the difference between bees, wasps, and hornets? Let’s break it down.

1. Appearance: How to Identify Bees, Wasps, and Hornets

• Bees: Bees have fuzzy, round bodies covered in tiny hairs, which help them collect pollen. Their coloring is usually muted, with shades of gold, brown, or black. The most common bees include honeybees and bumblebees. Honeybees are smaller and more slender, while bumblebees are larger and more robust.
• Wasps: Wasps have slender, smooth bodies with a noticeable narrow waist between the thorax and abdomen. They are typically more brightly colored, with vivid yellow and black stripes. Common species include yellowjackets and paper wasps.
• Hornets: Hornets are a type of wasp but are generally larger and more robust. They have smooth, shiny bodies with colors ranging from black and white to reddish-brown. The European hornet is one of the most common species in the U.S.

2. Behavior: Which Insects Are More Aggressive?

• Bees: Bees are generally non-aggressive and will only sting when they feel threatened or if their hive is disturbed. Honeybees can only sting once, as their barbed stinger gets stuck in the skin, causing them to die afterward. Bumblebees can sting multiple times but are also reluctant to do so unless provoked.
• Wasps: Wasps are more aggressive than bees, especially when protecting their nest. They can sting multiple times without dying and are more likely to sting unprovoked. Yellowjackets are particularly notorious for their territorial and defensive behavior.
• Hornets: Hornets are the most aggressive of the three, especially when their nest is threatened. Like wasps, they can sting repeatedly, and their stings tend to be more painful due to the higher concentration of venom. Hornets are also more likely to pursue perceived threats over longer distances.

3. Nesting Habits: Where Do They Build Their Homes?

• Bees: Bees typically build wax hives in protected areas like hollow trees, walls, or attics. Honeybee hives are made of symmetrical hexagonal cells, while bumblebees create smaller, less organized nests in underground burrows or thick grass.
• Wasps: Wasps build papery nests made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. You’ll often find their nests in eaves, under decks, or inside wall cavities. Paper wasps make umbrella-shaped nests, while yellowjackets often build underground nests or inside structures.
• Hornets: Hornets create large, football-shaped nests from a paper-like material, usually in trees, shrubs, or under roof overhangs. Their nests can grow quite large and house hundreds of hornets, making them particularly dangerous to disturb.

4. Diet: What Do They Eat?

• Bees: Bees are pollinators that feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. They play a crucial role in pollinating plants, which makes them beneficial for the environment.
• Wasps: Wasps are omnivores and predators. They feed on insects, spiders, and human food, especially sugary substances like sodas or fruit. This scavenging behavior often brings them into conflict with people at picnics or outdoor gatherings.
• Hornets: Hornets have a similar diet to wasps, preying on other insects and scavenging for sugary foods. They help control pest populations but can become a nuisance around food sources.

5. Are They Dangerous?

• Bees: For most people, bee stings are mildly painful but not dangerous. However, bee stings can be life-threatening for those with allergies (anaphylaxis). In general, bees are beneficial pollinators and should be left alone if they’re not causing problems.
• Wasps: Wasps pose a greater threat due to their aggressive behavior and ability to sting multiple times. Their stings can cause severe pain, swelling, and in some cases, allergic reactions.
• Hornets: Hornet stings are the most painful and potentially the most dangerous due to their larger size and higher venom concentration. Like wasps, they can sting repeatedly, and multiple stings can cause serious reactions even in people without allergies.

6. How to Respond to Bees, Wasps, and Hornets on Your Property

• Bees: If you find a bee hive on your property, avoid disturbing it. Bees are protected in many areas due to their importance in pollination. Contact a professional beekeeper or pest control service that offers humane relocation services.
• Wasps: If you spot a wasp nest near your home, it’s best to keep your distance. Wasps are more likely to sting, especially when their nest is threatened. For nests in high-traffic areas, contact a pest control professional to safely remove them.
• Hornets: Hornet nests should never be disturbed by non-professionals. Due to their aggressive nature, professional removal is the safest option. Attempting to remove a hornet nest on your own can lead to multiple stings and serious injury.

7. Prevention Tips: How to Keep Bees, Wasps, and Hornets Away

• Seal Cracks and Openings: Inspect your home for gaps or cracks where insects could enter, especially around windows, doors, and siding.
• Keep Food Covered Outdoors: Wasps and hornets are attracted to sugary drinks and food, so keep these covered when eating outside.
• Remove Attractants: Limit flowering plants near high-traffic areas, and keep garbage bins tightly sealed.
• Install Screens: Use fine mesh screens on windows and vents to prevent insects from entering your home.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the differences between bees, wasps, and hornets is key to knowing how to respond when you encounter them. While bees are essential pollinators and generally non-aggressive, wasps and hornets can pose greater risks due to their aggressive behavior and painful stings. If you find a nest on your property, it’s best to call a pest management professional to handle the situation safely and effectively. We recommend pest control in new york.

By identifying these insects correctly and responding appropriately, you can protect your home, your family, and the environment.