Float like a Butterfly, Don't get a Sting from a Bee - The Difference between Wasps and Bees

Although bees are one of the few universally loved insects that have many positive effects on the outdoors, that's where they should stay - living away from you and your loved ones, especially if there's any chance that bee could be a wasp. Here at K.C.S, we care about your health, so we've gathered tips to identify whether that unexpected guest is a bee or a wasp and how to handle it accordingly.

Characteristics of a Bee

Physical:

• Between 0.2 to 4 cm in length

• Rounded thorax (chest) and abdomen (body)

• Fuzzy body

• Legs bent/tucked up towards body when flying

Behavioural:

• Tend to stay around flowers and plants

• When most bee's sting someone, their stinger gets stuck inside the skin and they pass away from their injuries when they try to remove it - meaning bees will only ever sting once as an absolute last resort

• Pollenate flowers and use the nectar to produce honey within their hive

• Nests are generally hidden inside trees, walls, or even in some cases in the ground

• Tend to leave humans alone unless purposefully aggravated

• Have a Queen

Whilst bees and humans can coincide in the same outdoor area, when bees start to make nests inside the walls and ceiling of you home this can cause structural damage. As well as this, if bees live inside your home they are more likely to feel threatened due to the close nature, and hence are more likely to sting to protect their Queen.

Characteristics of a Wasp

Physical:

• Between 5 to 10 cm in length

• Oblong thorax (chest) and abdomen (body)

• Smooth body

• Legs hanging down when flying

Behavioural:

• Tend to stay around flowers and plants

• Can sting multiple times with no fatality

• Eats other bugs such as caterpillars and ladybugs along with fruits

• Does not produce honey

• Nests are generally visible, usually against walls, under rooves or hanging from trees

• Aggressive in nature when people approach their nest

• Have a Queen

Wasps, whether in the backyard or indoors, can cause serious problems. Not only are they destructive, aggressive and more likely to sting than a bee, many people develop severe, life-threatening allergies that worsen with each sting. This alone strengthens the importance of protecting your home against pests in advance, however if insects of any sort are creating a problem, K.C.S has many options available to bring back a calm and sting-free environment.

Here at K.C.S, we know what it takes to protect your home against pests. With dedicated client service for our commercial and residential pest control customers, we know the best way to approach the pest problem. K.C.S are the experts in Nambour to keep the pests away from your home. Call us on 0498 493 529 or email kcspestcontrol@gmail.com for more tips on how to keep bed bugs away from your Nambour home.