In summer, we spend as much time outdoors as possible. Our back yards and patios become our sanctuaries and our place away from the stresses of everyday life. But what if you end up with a hornet’s nest or bees have found your space just as desirable? Both these insects – although noticeably different – can disrupt your peace and pose a danger to those with allergies to insect bites.

In order to provide the appropriate pest control services, it is important to identify whether bees or wasps have invaded your space. ICE Pest Control can help you identify and eliminate these pests using professional solutions for pest control and removal in the Greater Toronto Area.

Differences Between Bees and Wasps

Appearance
One of the major differences between the two is their appearance. Wasps have a much leaner and smoother body, while bees appear plumper and hairier. The wasp’s back legs appear to hang lower than the body when in flight. The stinger on a bee is barbed, unlike the wasp’s which is smooth.
Food Sources & Diet
Bees feed on nectar and pollen from flowers, occasionally tempted by sweet-smelling garbage in the vicinity. Wasps prefer to eat other insects like flies, caterpillars, and crickets, but are also often drawn to the small of sweet foods from picnics and outdoor events.
Building Nests
Paper wasps build large, exposed nests where the combs are visible, and they are usually found in sheltered areas such as forests. Yellow jackets build papery-looking, covered-in nests in enclosed areas like holes in the ground or underneath the eaves of buildings. Hornets build paper nests and are usually found in wall cavities, tree trunks, and near roof gutters. Honey bees, on the other hand, can occasionally be found nesting in trees, but most of their nests are prefabricated and made by humans.
Aggression
If you think you may be dealing with wasps, be very careful, particularly if you have young children or are not sure you may be allergic to their sting. Paper wasps only attack if they feel threatened, but their sting can be very painful and even dangerous. Yellow jackets are very aggressive and can attack if they feel their nest is threatened. Hornets are also very aggressive and protective of their nests. Unlike a bee, whose stinger falls out after it has stung you, wasps can sting you multiple times, making them much more dangerous.
If you suspect you have a problem with either bees or wasps, it is important to properly identify them so you can properly treat any stings, as well as seek out the proper pest control services. ICE Pest will spray the area where the nest is found. If it’s a direct nest area, we will spray the nest and remove it. We can also fog the area if you are planning an outdoor event to keep bees and wasps away and protect the safety of your guests.
For wasp and bee control, wasp nest removal, and pest control services in Mississauga, Oakville, and Toronto, contact us to book an appointment.