What You Need to Know About Bees and Wasps

Having bees and wasps around your home is not only annoying, but it can also be dangerous. They have a natural ability to sting you, and a severe allergic reaction can result. If you are allergic to insect stings, you may be at risk for anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening.

Most wasps are ground-living, but they are also known to build nests in trees, walls, and ceilings. They are attracted to sugary and meaty foods.

Wasps feed on other insects, and they also pollinate flowers. Most species are classified as social, though some have solitary habits. Usually, social wasps build elaborate nests. They attach papery nests made of chewed fibers to tree limbs or eaves of buildings. They also defend their nests aggressively.

There are many types of solitary wasps, including mud daubers, digger wasps, and social wasps. Some have different compartments for food, while others share entrances.

They have streamlined bodies and long legs with barbs for gripping prey. They have branched hairs that trap pollen grains. They can also sting multiple times, but this is not a concern unless they are aggressive.

Some bees are parasitic, and they have nearly hairless bodies. Others have pollen-collecting hairs that help the females carry pollen loads. The majority of bees’ protein source is pollen.

Solitary bees may have multiple sex partners, adjusting their reproductive needs based on food sources. They can also raise their own larvae. Solitary bees may build their nests underground.