Have you ever gone to throw away trash and the trash can is buzzing with bees? Or seen a nest high up in the tree and wondered if it was a wasp nest or a hornet nest? First things first, let’s dive into some categories for these Stinging Insects. There are three major varieties: the bee, the wasp, and the hornet, are most common in Maitland, Florida. But did you know all hornets are considered wasps, but not all wasps are hornets? Or that a mud dauber is classified as a wasp? Below, we will go over all the facts about each major stinging insect and how to tell them apart.
Stinging Insect: Hornet
European Hornet
These were first found in North America in 1840. They build paper nests, but they will build them in a protected area like a hollow tree or inside wall voids in houses. Because of this, you will most likely see them in forests, or parks with the right amount of trees. They are 3/4 – 1 and 1/2 inches long, and their nest contains about 200-400 workers, sometimes up to 1,000. They usually hunt other small insects, such as yellow-jackets, various flies, and caterpillars. If stung, it is said to hurt about as much as a honey bee, although they can sting you multiple times. Unless allergic, they should resolve on their own.
Bald-faced Hornet
Technically, this shouldn’t be classified as a hornet. Its size makes it similar to the yellow jacket. One way you can distinguish this from any other stinging insect is that they are completely bald. The queens will reach the size of about an inch, and the workers stay at about 3/4 of an inch. When building their nest, they will continue to add to it all summer long. Tho their nests may start small, they can grow up to 3 feet high. They can sting multiple times, and because they get very aggressive over their hive they will sting you if you even come within a few feet.
Stinging Insect: Wasp
Digger Wasps
Digger wasps get their name because of where they like to lay their eggs. They will dig in the ground, preferably dirt or in between plants. The males do not have stingers, and the females are non-aggressive. Unless provoked they will do their best to stay away from you and not sting. Depending on what is readily available, the Digger Wasp isn’t picky in its diet. It can survive off of small bugs or off of pollen. Whatever is easier to come by.
Mud daubers
The fun fact about the mud daubers is their favorite snack is the black widow spider. They build their nests in garages, barns, and even on your house. They will build their nests by bringing mud and constructing it into their hive. Since they will bring spiders back for their young, they preserve to save their stingers for hunting. But, the only time they will sting a human is if handled roughly. While they are very solitary and will not even protect their nest. Since they control spiders, a lot of people think this is an incredibly beneficial stinging insect and would advise you against trying to drive them away.
Stinging Insect: Bees
Bees like to eat pollen and nectar, and use them to feed their babies. Their whole body is covered in feather-like hair that traps the pollen. They will only sting in self-defense since after stinging they will die. There are about 4000 different species of bees in just the USA and Canada. When the weather warms up this summer it is not uncommon to see honey bees swarm. But fear not, these bees are not out to harm you they are just looking for a new place to call home.
Identification
Bees will generally have wider hairier bodies with little legs. Wasps and hornets have skinnier bodies with narrow waists. While bees can only sting you once, Wasps and hornets can sting you multiple times. Telling the different types of wasps and hornets apart can be done by looking at their nest. Or where they build their nest.
With the worry of any stinging insect, all of us at RH Miller Pest Services take pride in making sure that you can have peace of mind. Servicing cities like Maitland, in Central Florida for over 29 years, we have the expertise to get the results you desire! Bees, Bugs, Wildlife, or Lawn; we do it all. Find out why we have a 5 STAR rating on Google today! Give us a call at 407-339-7119.
