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Bees, Wasps and Hornets |
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• Yellowjackets Yellowjacket colonies start in spring as a single queen and populations grow through the summer. In late summer their populations peak and yellowjackets are commonly seen hovering around their nest opening or around garbage cans, etc. And it's yellowjackets, not bees, that become a real nuisance at picnics & backyard parties. Yellowjackets build paper nests similar to hornets. Occasionally their nest is exposed but, more often, it's built in logs or landscape timbers, underground, or in an attic or outside wall of a home/building. Caution: They can sting repeatedly! Tip: Never plug entryways where yellowjackets go in & out. That usually drives them further inside. |
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• Honey Bees Honey Bees are very beneficial in pollinating flowers. They live as colonies in hives that can contain up to 80,000 individuals.
Honey bees are not usually aggressive* but they will defend their hive if they perceive it's being threatened. And unlike yellowjackets, honey bees can only sting once.
Tip: Honey bees are often mistakenly blamed for stings that people actually get from yellowjackets. |
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• Bumble Bees Bumble Bees range in size from about ¼" up to one full inch long. They have very robust, "fuzzy" appearance. Like honey bees, bumble bees are beneficial in pollinating flowers. Unlike honey bees, however, bumble bees are capable of stinging multiple times. Bumble bees typically build their nest underground in an abandoned mouse nest or under a clump of grass (often adding grass to hide the entrance). They also nest under slabs, wood decks & porches, or in wall voids. Tip: Bumble bees tend to get aggressive when their nest is threatened. Best to avoid the area. |
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• Umbrella Wasps Umbrella Wasps are often referred to as "Paper Wasps." These wasps are semi-social insects that exist in relatively small colonies. Umbrella wasps have long legs and long wings, and they have a pinched or "threaded" waist. These wasps build open-celled nests under protected areas, such as under eaves and overhangs, roof peaks, and under decks and railings. Their nests are relatively small in size (up to 6 x 8 inches). Umbrella wasps "hover" around (like a helicopter) as they fly. Tip: Umbrella wasps are not overly aggressive but they will sting if their nest is disturbed. |
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• Mud Dauber Wasps Mud Daubers do not live in colonies like social wasps. They are solitary wasps. This wasp group gets its name from the fact that they build nests out of mud. Mud Daubers are somewhat beneficial in helping to control other insects but they're mostly just a nuisance because of the mud tubes they build which deface outside walls of home and other buildings. Tip: Mud Daubers are not aggressive and rarely sting — even when their nest is disturbed. |
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• Bald-Faced Hornets Bald-Faced Hornets are somewhat beneficial in helping to control other insects but they're very aggressive when it comes to protecting their nest, and their stings are very painful. These hornets are mostly black with white markings on their face and tip of abdomen. They range in size from about ⅝ to ¾ inch long (some even larger) and build aerial nests which may be located under ANY sheltered area. Bald-faced hornet nests are always enclosed in a gray "paper wrapping" which can be up to 24" high, and they're often found in a bush or tree. Take a peek inside at their nest cells. Important Tip: If you discover an active hornet nest, steer clear. Hornets can get very aggressive! |
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• About Control & Prevention For more information about bees, wasps & hornets, and custom-designed control programs for your home or business, contact a Wil-Kil Pest Specialist at (800) 236-8735. Homeowner Note: Wil-Kil offers nest prevention service that's guaranteed for the entire season. |