Bees and Wasps

Paper Wasp

Description: Paper Wasps are 5/8″ to 1″ in length and are brown with yellow, circular striping.
Paper Wasps build umbrella shaped nests under ledges, eaves, in air conditioning units and inside foliage. Their nests are constructed of paper-like materials derived from chewed wood materials.

Seasonality: Active in late spring with heaviest activity in late summer.

Attractions: Paper Wasps feed on a variety of insects and other arthropods.

Damage: Paper Wasps are the least aggressive wasp and typically live in close proximity to humans without aggressive displays. They can be defensive of their perceived territory so be sure to give the nest some room. Paper Wasp nests are easily eliminated.

Yellow Jacket

Description: Yellow jackets are 5/8″ to 1″ in length and are black and yellow or black and white. They fold their wings lengthwise when at rest.  Yellow Jacket nests can become very large. While they are usually located underground in old rodent burrows, in wood piles or in walls and attics of buildings, occasionally they will be built in trees or in other places in the open.

Seasonality: Active in late spring with heaviest activity in late summer.

Attractions: Like all wasps, yellow jackets prey on a wide variety of insects and other arthropods. Yellow jackets are unusual in that workers also forage on foods consumed by people, especially sweets and meats.

Damage: Yellow Jackets are more aggressive than Paper Wasps but typically will not attack unless provoked. Avoid disturbing the nest or attempting to treat it yourself. Yellow Jacket stings are very painful and many people are allergic to their stings.

Hornet

Description: Hornets are roughly 1″ to 1 ½” in length, and closely resemble the Yellow Jacket in appearance. The primary difference between Hornets and Yellow Jackets is that Hornets are aggressive towards humans. Fierce, vigilant, and unpredictable, Hornets will attack people simply for walking past their nests.

Attractions: Hornets are prolific insect eaters and help to control the population of flies and caterpillars.

Some Hornets build their nests from paper and suspend them from trees or structures, while others build them in the ground or in hollow trees or other voids. Typically, two or three sentry hornets continuously circle the nest, constantly on watch for threats.

Damage: Hornets typically attack in swarms that may number in the hundreds or thousands.  Hornet stings are extremely painful and may be fatal to individuals who are allergic or who have been stung repeatedly.  Avoid this nest and contact a professional for removal.

Honey Bee

Description: Honey Bees are approximately ½” in length and have four wings.

They are raised for honey and beeswax, and are essential for the pollination of crops.

Attractions: Flowers which provide pollen.

Damage: Honey Bee stingers have barbs, so that the stinger and the poison sac remain in the skin.

Unlike wasps, Honey Bees can sting only once.

Africanized Honey Bee (aka Killer Bee)

Description: The “Killer Bee” is actually a type of African Honeybee. In 1957, it was accidentally released in Brazil during a science experiment. It began to move north and reached Mexico in the 1980s. It can now be found in abundance in the southwestern U.S. and moving steadily but slowly to the North and East.

Attractions: South Florida’s climate is very appealing to these bees but their presence here is still relatively small.

Damage: These bees react very quickly to perceived danger 50 feet or more from the nest, attack in large numbers, and swarm for long periods of time. Their sting is toxic and because they swarm and sting in large numbers, the resulting damage can be toxic poisoning and even death. Avoid all bee nests or swarms and call a professional for removal.

If you are attacked by Africanized Bees: Run away as fast as possible, covering your face and head as you run.  Get into a closed building or vehicle if you can and call 911 immediately.  Don’t stop to remove stingers until you are safely away from the attacking bees. When you are away from the bees, start removing stingers from your skin. You can remove them by scraping, pulling, or using sticky tape. Do not leave the stingers in any longer than necessary, as they will continue to pump venom.  Don’t jump into water. The bees will wait for you to come up for air.  Don’t panic.
Extracted from a compilation by Keith S. Delaplane, Extension Entomologist (http://www.bees-online.com/AfricanBee.htm)