How to make the difference between bees, wasps, bumblebees and hornets
Bees, wasps, bumblebees and hornets all belong to the same order, the Hymenoptera. Because some of these insects look very similar, it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart, although it's perfectly understandable to want to know what stung us.
The same insect can even be known by different names depending on the region. Knowing which ones are likely to sting us when we disturb them is just as useful as being able to distinguish our best allies in the garden. If this confusion still bothers you, here's what you need to know to be able to tell them apart.
The characteristics of bees
Bees are undoubtedly the most beloved of all. Their reputation is well established: they are essential to the planet's ecosystems and to our survival. They are recognizable by their hairy bodies, which allow them to collect and transport pollen, and by their brownish or golden colouration, which is generally less vibrant than that of wasps or hornets.
Bees feed primarily on pollen and nectar from flowers (honeybees use nectar to produce honey, which serves as food for the colony). Their nests are made of wax and consist of parallel combs. Regardless of the stage of development, the combs contain visible cells. The nest itself is also relatively flat. In fact, the hives used by professional beekeepers are inspired by those found in nature.
The best-known of all bees is the honeybee. Industrious and gentle, honeybees devote all their energy to the well-being of the colony. They become aggressive only when defending their nest or when they feel threatened. A honeybee dies after its first sting, as the loss of its stinger is fatal.
The bumblebee, cousin of the honeybee
The yellow and black stripes of the garden bumblebee are reminiscent of those of the honeybee. However, it is much larger, more robust and hairier. It is easily recognizable by its size of approximately 22 mm and the sound it makes when flying.
Like the honeybee, the bumblebee feeds on pollen and nectar and plays a vital role as a pollinator. Essential to the ecosystem, it contributes to the biodiversity of our environment. It is also very devoted to its colony, even though bumblebee colonies are smaller.
It builds its nest in existing cavities, such as an abandoned burrow, a hollow tree stump or an empty space in a building wall. At first glance, the exterior of its nest looks remarkably like a pile of "Corn Pops." These are wax capsules in which honey and pollen are stored.
It can be difficult to move a bumblebee nest located too close to the house or in a high-traffic area of the garden. Therefore, sometimes extermination is the only option.
While bumblebees are impressive in size and the sound they make when flying, they are not considered aggressive insects. Only the female has a stinger, and she will only use it if she feels threatened. Unlike bees, bumblebees can sting repeatedly in self-defense.
Differences between a wasp and a bee
The wasp is one of the most feared insects in the Hymenoptera order. Measuring between 11 and 18 mm, it has a hairless body. Its yellow and black stripes are very distinct. You can also recognize it by the clearly defined separation of its abdomen and thorax.
Unlike bees, wasps are carnivorous. They feed on live insects, carrion and food scraps. Formidable hunters, they fly quickly and fiercely defend their nests. They do not hesitate to sting repeatedly. Because they are attracted to food consumed by humans, they often come into close contact with us.
What are the different types of wasps?
The wasps most commonly encountered in Canada are paper wasps, mason wasps and yellowjackets, including the Eastern yellowjacket.
Paper wasps build their nests from a paper pulp made of saliva and chewed wood fibres, most often hanging in trees or in sheltered spaces such as sheds, attics, gables or the underside of porches. They are recognizable by their unique appearance, resembling old greyish paper. A paper wasp nest can contain between 15 and 200 insects. Less aggressive than yellowjackets, they may still attack if you get too close to their nest.
Mason wasps are the most peaceful of all. Solitary rather than social, they build mud nests on walls and other sheltered surfaces. Each female lays a single egg in a chamber, stocks it with dead insects to feed the developing larvae, and then seals the opening. The larvae develop inside the nest, feeding on the dead insects, and emerge only after reaching adulthood.
Like hornets, yellowjackets build nests that may be either above or below ground. They commonly establish their colonies in abandoned burrows, hollow logs, crawl spaces and attics. Their impressive nests can house colonies of several thousand insects. Highly territorial, yellowjackets will attack aggressively if they feel their nest is threatened.
The Eastern yellowjacket is one of the social wasps most commonly found in Canada. It can build enormous underground nests that, by late summer, may contain more than 5,000 workers. You may spot the wasps flying in and out of small openings in the ground. They fiercely defend their nests, which may be located at the base of a hedge, in a lawn, flower bed or sandbox. It is best to avoid stepping anywhere near them.
IMPORTANT: Have ground-nesting wasps taken up residence in your flower bed? It is best to avoid working in that area for the rest of the season to prevent disturbing them. Although the nest itself may remain in the ground over the winter, these wasps generally do not reuse the same nest the following year.
Identifying hornets
Hornets belong to the same family as wasps. However, they are much larger, with some species reaching up to 40 mm in length. Their body shape is similar to that of wasps, but they are hairier. The sound they make in flight is also surprisingly loud.
Hornets also build nests that resemble large balls of weathered paper. Because they feed primarily on small insects and fruit, they are less likely than wasps to come into contact with people.
Hornets are not naturally aggressive and will sting only if they feel threatened. However, their sting is considerably more painful than that of other members of the Hymenoptera order. Because their stingers are larger, they penetrate more deeply into the skin.
How to prevent stings with WASP OUT
WASP OUT Wasp Traps help eliminate wasps that disrupt your activities. They are installed away from frequently used outdoor areas to attract the insects. WASP OUT foam and aerosol products allow you to destroy visible nests while remaining at a safe distance. See our related article for more information and download our guide to find out which product to choose and how to use it effectively.
