Bees, hornets, and wasps are stinging insects that can be both harmful and helpful to people. Worldwide there more about 20,000 species of bees and 75,000 species of wasps, with a combined 4,000 species in the United States. Only about 20 true hornet species exist, with just one of these prevalent in North America. The terms wasp and hornet are often used interchangeably.
Bees and wasps play a vital role in the ecosystem. Bees pollinate 70 of the top 100 crops eaten by humans, as well as the vast majority of flowering plants. Wasps also pollinate, but their value is primarily derived from eating harmful insects and larvae that feed on vegetables. However, when bees, wasps, or hornets interact with people or pets, the results can be painful and, in some cases, deadly.
There are a number of stinging insects common to North America, many of which pose a threat to your family’s well-being. Insects like bees, wasps, and hornets can cause painful, sometimes life-threatening stings! It’s important to understand the behaviors and characteristics of these pests, so you can stay safe.
Worldwide, there are over 2,200 species of termites. In the United States, 500,000 homes are treated for termites each year at a cost of over $1 billion. Subterranean and damp wood termites are responsible for the most of the damage to wooden buildings in the Pacific Northwest. Termites are nature's recyclers, breaking down and returning to the soil the cellulose-containing materials of fallen trees and decaying wood. Termites derive nutrition from wood and other cellulose materials. They cannot digest the cellulose themselves. Instead they are dependent on one-celled protozoa in their stomachs that break down the cellulose into simpler compounds that the termites can use as food. Termites colonies are complex social organizations. A colony typically contains several castes including workers, soldiers and reproductives. Each caste has a precisely defined role within the colony.
What are the unique characteristics of stinging insects?
Many wasps and bees feed on pollen and nectar, as well as fruit and other sugary foods. Wasps will even invade honeybee nests to eat the honey within it. Yellow jackets, a type of wasp often seen at picnics, is attracted to human food. Wasps and hornets also eat spiders and insects.
Where are stinging insects commonly found?
Bees build nests out of wax, inside wood, or in the ground. Wasps build their nests from fibers they create by chewing, from wood fibers, or in the ground.
Solitary wasps far outnumber social wasps. They are often found nesting in the ground or an existing hole. Social wasps build colonies in sheltered outdoor areas like trees and gardens, or in protected areas around a structure. Wasp nests are often found under eaves, in window frames, or under porches or stairs. Like wasps, bees tend to build their nests in protected areas. Both wasps and bees have been known to create large colonies inside the walls of buildings.
What are the threats and risks of stinging insects?
Bees and wasps can cause damage to your home. Carpenter bees bore holes into decks and other wood structures. Both bees and wasps will build nests in wall voids, creating holes used to enter and exit.
Bees, wasps, and hornets sting in response to feeling threatened. Only female bees and wasps have stingers. A single bee can usually sting only once, while hornets and wasps can sting multiple times. More than half a million people are seen at emergency rooms each year as a result of bee, wasp, and hornet stings. During a sting, venom is injected into the victim, creating a red, swollen area. For those who are allergic, a bee or wasp sting can cause a severe reaction, even resulting in death. About 100 people die each year from bee and wasp stings.