When we think of yellow jackets and bees, we think of yellow, flying, stinging insects, which is why it can be hard to tell the two species apart. However, with the right information, you will be able to identify which insect you are dealing with right away.

The main differences

The best way to tell the two species apart is by their appearance. At first glance they may look very similar, but at a closer look, you can see some glaring differences. To start, bees are covered in fuzz, while yellow jackets are completely hairless. This fuzz serves an important purpose for the bees – it picks up pollen from the flowers that they visit, and thus helps in the process of pollination. Bees also have a more stocky look – they look fatter, while yellow jackets have an aerodynamic shape.

Differences in nesting habits

Bees will rarely create colonies on somebody’s property. If they are located in a populated area, the bees are usually raised by a beekeeper, and their nests are in safe locations. Yellow jackets on the other hand have a more haphazard approach to nesting. They will be drawn to food and heat sources, which are often found near our homes. The yellow jackets have no problems rummaging through the trash for thrown out meat and sugary leftovers, and the heat of the home is very attractive to young yellow jacket queens when they are looking to start their nests. This means that yellow jacket nests are much more common in populated areas than bee hives.

Differences in the control methods needed to deal with an infestation

If a bee infestation starts on your property, there are two options to deal with it: either destroy the colony, or have it relocated to a local beekeeper. Yellow jacket infestations do not have any use however, and they will need to be destroyed as soon as possible. In both instances, you will need the help of a pro, since both species will fight to defend their nests.

For more information about these two species, how they are controlled, and how you can prevent an infestation, contact us today. We also provide pest control services to address infestations from both of these species, so if you have an infestation on your property, do not hesitate to give us a call.