Wasps vs Bees

Serving Albuquerque and Taos

It’s easy to see why so many people have trouble telling apart wasps vs bees. At a glance, they look almost identical, and they also exhibit similar patterns of movement and activity. However, there are a few differences to pay attention to that will help you make distinctions between bees and wasps in Santa Fe NM.

Here you’ll find New Mexico Pest Control’s keys to the differences between bees and wasps. Read on to learn about how they differ physically and in terms of the threat that they pose.

How to Identify Wasps vs Bees

Wasps and bees do share many similar characteristics, but with due attention, they can be told apart. There are three main things to note when looking for the difference between bees and wasps:

1. Their figures. Their patterns and colors are a lot alike, but bees’ tiny hairs surrounding their bodies give them a fuzzy, rounded appearance. Wasps exoskeletons are more smooth and shiny.
2. Their demeanors. Wasps are quicker to attack, and they alert other wasps nearby to help using a pheromone signal. Bees will retaliate when threatened, too, but are more cautious about stinging because they only can once.
3. Their activities. Bees are often seen low to the ground, pollinating flowers and collecting nectar. While wasps don’t have as good of a reputation as bees, they are helpful to the environment too. Wasps prey upon many common garden pests, allowing for more fruitful plant growth in turn.

Are Bees or Wasps More Dangerous?

The difference between wasp and bee stings is less about the pain and more about the circumstances. If you aren’t careful around either of these kinds of stinging insects, you could easily walk away with multiple stings.

Both bee stings and wasp stings are painful and can cause allergic reactions. However, wasp stings can be more frequent and easily inspired, because they can sting multiple times and are more likely to attack. The safest practice is to remain calm around bees and wasps and avoid their nests.

How to Handle Bees and Wasps in Santa Fe

Once bees or wasps set up shop near your home, they can cause you lots of stress and worry. If you end up discovering a wasp nest or beehive on your property, call up your local bee removal experts to have it dealt with in a safe manner.

Without the training that professional pest control specialists have, trying to remove a nest can lead to a mob of angry insects out to get you. At New Mexico Pest Control, we train our technicians to remove bees and wasps swiftly and safely, keeping you and your family out of harm’s way. Contact us today for a free quote!