How to Tell If You Have Honey Bees or Wasps: A Simple Guide

A lot of people see flying insects near their home and think they’re all bees. But bees and wasps are very different. Knowing which one you have matters a lot for how you deal with them.

Honey bees are usually gentle. They’re busy collecting pollen and don’t want to bother you. They build big wax hives full of honey inside walls, roofs, or trees. Bees are important for plants and farms, so removing them means carefully taking the whole hive and moving it to a safe place.

Wasps are more aggressive. They’re hunters and can sting many times. Their nests are made of paper-like material and often hang under eaves, decks, or bushes. Wasps will defend their nest quickly if you get too close.

One easy way to tell the difference is the nest itself. Honey bee hives are often hidden, with lots of bees going in and out in a steady line. Wasp nests are exposed and shaped like an umbrella or ball, with wasps flying around the entrance.

Trying to get rid of them on your own can be risky. Spraying chemicals into a honey bee hive doesn’t remove it. It kills the bees but leaves honey and wax behind in your walls. That attracts ants, rodents, and even new bees. Attacking a wasp nest without the right gear can get you badly stung.

A professional bee removal service knows how to tell the difference right away. They know how to handle bees safely without killing them and how to deal with wasps the right way.

If you’re not sure what you have, don’t guess. Call someone who knows. That way you fix the problem safely and for good.