Stinging Insects

Bees, hornets, and wasps are stinging insects that can be both harmful and helpful to people. Worldwide there more about 20,000 species of bees and 75,000 species of wasps, with a combined 4,000 species in the United States. Only about 20 true hornet species exist, with just one of these prevalent in North America. The terms wasp and hornet are often used interchangeably.

Bees and wasps play a vital role in the ecosystem. Bees pollinate 70 of the top 100 crops eaten by humans, as well as the vast majority of flowering plants. Wasps also pollinate, but their value is primarily derived from eating harmful insects and larvae that feed on vegetables. However, when bees, wasps, or hornets interact with people or pets, the results can be painful and, in some cases, deadly.

There are a number of stinging insects common to North America, many of which pose a threat to your family’s well-being. Insects like bees, wasps, and hornets can cause painful, sometimes life-threatening stings! It’s important to understand the behaviors and characteristics of these pests, so you can stay safe.

What Do Stinging Insects Look Like?

Like all insects, the bodies of bees, wasps, and hornets consist of a head, thorax, and abdomen, covered by an exoskeleton. They have six legs, two antennae, two sets of wings, both compound and simple eyes, a mandible used for cutting and chewing, and a stinger (in females).

Wasps, bees, and hornets vary in appearance depending on species. Bees are covered in hair, making them appear fuzzy, and they often have colorful bands on their bodies. Honeybees are golden brown with black stripes, bumblebees and carpenter bees are yellow and black, and leafcutter bees are black and white. Bees range in size; the average bumblebee is between 3/4” and 1 1/2” in length.

Wasps are narrower than bees and have smooth bodies. Wasps vary in color and may be brown, yellow, bright red, or metallic blue. They can grow up to 1 1/2” in length. Hornets have bigger heads than wasps and are more rounded and larger, growing to over 2” in some cases.

Bees and social wasps live in colonies that consist of queens (who lay eggs), drones (who fertilize the eggs), and infertile workers (who provide for and protect the colony). Drones die shortly after mating. Solitary wasps build individual nests, preferring not to live with other wasps. Both male and female solitary wasps are fertile.