What’s the Difference Between Bees, Wasps, and Hornets?
by RH Pest Management:
Many homeowners in Harford County, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Frederick County mistake bees, wasps, and hornets for one another. While they may look similar from a distance, each insect behaves differently and requires a different approach for safe removal. Knowing the difference can help protect your family and determine when it’s time to call a professional.
Bees are beneficial pollinators that play a vital role in the environment. They have rounder, fuzzy bodies that collect pollen from flowers and are generally non-aggressive unless their hive is threatened. Honeybees usually build colonies inside tree cavities, wall voids, or other sheltered locations. Because they are important pollinators, relocation is often the preferred option whenever practical.
Wasps have smooth, slender bodies with narrow waists and long legs. Unlike bees, they do not collect pollen and can become aggressive when defending their nests. Paper wasps often build umbrella-shaped nests under roof eaves, porches, decks, and outdoor structures, while yellow jackets commonly nest underground or inside wall voids. Wasps are attracted to sugary foods, meats, and outdoor gatherings during the summer and fall.
Hornets are actually a type of wasp but are generally larger and more defensive. They build large, enclosed paper nests in trees, shrubs, rooflines, or other elevated areas. Hornets may aggressively defend their nests if they feel threatened, making do-it-yourself removal especially dangerous.
Although small, exposed nests may appear easy to remove, disturbing any stinging insect colony can result in multiple painful stings and increase the risk of injury. For nests located inside walls, attics, chimneys, rooflines, or other difficult-to-reach areas, professional treatment is the safest and most effective solution.
RH Pest Management proudly provides professional bee, wasp, and hornet removal services throughout Harford County, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Frederick County. We offer FREE inspections and no-obligation estimates to help you choose the safest treatment for your property.
If you’re unsure what type of stinging insect is on your property, call RH Pest Management at 410-497-2468 today to schedule your free inspection and let our experienced technicians safely protect your home and family.