BEES
Bees are flying insects closely related to
wasps and
ants. Bees are a
monophyletic lineage within the superfamily
Apoidea, presently classified by the unranked taxon name
Anthophila. There are nearly 20,000 known species of bees in nine recognized families, though many are undescribed and the actual number is probably higher. They are found on every continent except
Antarctica, in every habitat on the planet that contains insect-pollinated flowering plants.
Honeybees (Apis nekkufera Linnaeus)
Honey bees are social insects found all over the world. They are an extremely important beneficial insect because of their role in pollination. Honey bees pollinate more than 100 crops in the U.S.
Honeybees can be found in All 50 States.
Prevention
Honeybees should be addressed by a professional. Removal of a honeybee nest and the honey product can be very messy. Because honeybee colonies are so large, only a pest control professional or experienced beekeeper can safely remove a honeybee nest.
Color: Predominantly golden-yellow with brown bands.
Legs: 6
Shape: Oval; bee shape
Size: 1/2"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes
Habits
Honeybees are active pollinators, and produce honey which feeds their young in colder months. The honeybee is the only social insect whose colony can survive many years.
Habitat
Honeybees produce honey from pollen and nectar of the plants they pollinate. They store the honey in honeycombs in their nests. They often build their nests in tree crevices, but will occasionally build nests in attics or chimneys.
Threats
Honeybees do sting, but they only sting once. The sting can be extremely painful if the stinger is not immediately removed from the sting. Persons allergic to insect stings will have a more severe reaction.
Bumble Bees (Subfamily bombinae; bombus species)
Bumble bees are beneficial insects because they pollinate crops and plants.
Bumble Bees can be found in All 50 States.
Prevention
Bumble bees can be prevented through inspection of potential nesting areas and removal of potential harborage materials. Because bumble bees will sting when threatened, homeowners are advised not to address the infestation themselves.
Color: Black with yellow stripes
Legs: 6
Shape: Oval; bee shape
Size: 1"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes
Habits
The occupant of a disturbed bumble bee nest will buzz in a loud volume. They defend their nests aggressively.
Habitat
Bumble bees often nest in the ground, but can be found above ground around patio areas or decks. They will sometimes build their ness in soffits of attics.
Threats
As part of their aggressive defense of their nests, bumble bees will chase nest invaders for a considerable distance. The bumble bee sting is one of the most painful. Unlike honey bees, bumble bees can sting more than once.
Carpenter Bees (Subfamily bombinae; bombus species)
Carpenter bees look like typical bumblebees but often lack yellow stripes. They are solitary bees.
Carpenter Bees can be found in All 50 States.
Prevention
Carpenter bees prefer bare wood, so painting and staining wood can sometimes deter them. However, they will sometimes attack stained or painted wood, so contact a pest control professional for assistance.
Color: Blue-black, green or purple metallic sheen on abdomen
Legs: 6
Shape: Oval; bee shape
Size: 1"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes
Habits
Unlike bumble bees, carpenter bees are solitary insects. Female carpenter bees will chew a tunnel into a piece of wood to build a nest gallery. The bits of wood she chews and deposits outside the nest are called frass. The male carpenter bee guards the outside of the nest. He does not have a stinger, but his constant buzzing causes concern for some.
Habitat
Carpenter bees bore through soft woods to lay eggs and protect their larvae as they develop.
Threats
Carpenter bees do not pose a public health threat, but they can damage wood through their nest building.
