How to Tell Difference Between Bees and Wasps
If you live in northern New Jersey, spring blooms increase the risk of coming into contact with potentially dangerous bees and wasps. Bees and wasps are generally beneficial. Bees and some wasp species pollinate plants. Predators, wasps also feed on other insects keeping pest populations in check. But when bees and wasps nest near human habitats, their stinging behavior can pose a serious threat to people, particularly those who are allergic.
Similar shape and coloration can make it difficult for northern New Jersey homeowners to distinguish between bees and wasps. Wasps are generally more aggressive than bees with aggressive behavior increasing toward August and September. But any stinging insect can become aggressive and attack if their hive is threatened. Because they can sting only once and are generally more docile, bees are considered less of a threat than wasps. Covered in short, dense hairs, thick-waisted bees have a hooked stinger. When bees sting, their stinger hooks into the flesh where it and the attached venom sac remain. As the bee flies away, the impaled stinger is ripped from the bee’s body, ripping open its abdomen and killing the bee.
Unlike bees, wasps are smooth skinned with constricted waists similar to ants. They have a straight stinger and can sting repeatedly, making wasps a potent danger if they attack. While bees usually attack only when provoked, wasps are highly aggressive and territorial and will attack without warning. Their habit of attacking in swarms makes wasp attacks particularly dangerous.