There are some bugs that we just can’t stand to be around. We hate spiders, roaches, ants, and flies, but bees and wasps are the two pests that almost everyone can’t stand. People probably don’t like these bugs very much because they can (and sometimes seem to want) to sting us if we get too close. This has made them one of the most hated bugs.
Because bees and wasps are known to sting and be a pain, people have made up some interesting stories about them, some of which have nothing to do with their stings at all. To calm you down and give you more information about these cute animals, we’ll look at some of the most common myths about bees and wasps and clear them up.
Wasps and bees are familiar insects that we regularly encounter, especially during the warmer months. Both can deliver painful stings, so it’s natural to be wary around them. But are wasps really more aggressive than bees, or is this just a common misconception?
When comparing wasp and bee behavior, there are some key differences that help explain why wasps have a reputation for being more aggressive. Understanding the reasons behind their behavior can help us coexist safely with these misunderstood insects.
Stinging Abilities
One major factor influencing wasp aggression is their stinger anatomy. Most wasps have smooth stingers that can be used repeatedly without harm, unlike honeybees that have barbed stingers.
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Honeybees are reluctant to sting since it rips away part of their body, soon killing them. They only sting when the hive is threatened.
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Wasps have no such limitation and can sting multiple times with no injury to themselves. They are more likely to sting as a first line of defense.
Additionally, wasp venom is more potent than bee venom. While honeybee venom is designed to deter rather than kill threats, wasp venom is rich in acetylcholine which intensifies pain. Wasp stings can be quite painful and provoke severe allergic reactions.
Nest Protection
Wasps are extremely protective of their nests and will mount an aggressive attack to defend their colonies. Bees, on the other hand, will usually send out a single scout bee to assess threats before deciding to attack.
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Wasps aggressively defend their nests against any perceived threat, stinging repeatedly to protect their young.
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Bees rely on swarming rather than repeated stinging. They are less likely to sting if their nest is undisturbed.
Foraging Differences
Foraging habits also influence aggression levels. Wasps are omnivorous and scavenge for meat and sweet substances. This brings them near human food and drink, especially at picnics and barbecues.
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Wasps aggressively seek out sugary drinks, ripe fruits, and meat products. They will sting to access these food sources.
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Bees forage for flower nectar and pollen. They are not attracted to human foods, so rarely sting unless threatened.
Colony Size
Wasp colonies reach very large populations of up to 15,000 wasps per nest by late summer and fall. Peak colony size coincides with increased food needs, making wasps even more determined to find meals by any means.
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Large wasp colonies need substantial food intake and are highly driven to meet this demand. They are hyper-sensitive to nest disturbances.
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Bee colonies peak at around 60,000 bees in mid-summer, then decrease through fall. Less competition for food reduces aggressiveness.
Territoriality
Wasps are fiercely territorial insects that mark nesting areas with pheromones. They will aggressively chase intruders away from their territory, especially near the nest.
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Wasps aggressively defend a sizeable territory around the nest. Any encroachment triggers an attack.
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Bees are less territorial and usually only react to nest disturbances, not just proximity. Their attacks are more localized around the hive.
Best Practices Around Wasps
While wasps play beneficial roles as pollinators and pest controllers, their stinging behavior demands caution. Here are some tips:
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Move slowly and calmly if wasps are present. Avoid sudden movements or swatting.
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Keep foods covered outdoors and promptly clean up spills and sticky surfaces that attract wasps.
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Seal openings in structures where wasps could nest, like attics, holes in siding, or gaps around windows.
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If a nest is spotted on your property, call a professional exterminator to remove it. Do not attempt this yourself.
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If stung, treat the area with ice, elevation, and over-the-counter sting relief sprays or creams. Seek medical attention for multiple stings or serious allergic reactions.
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Teach children to quietly move away if they spot wasps and to avoid throwing objects or antagonizing them.
Appreciating Wasps
While wasps can certainly be pests, it’s important to remember their ecological value as predators and pollinators. A number of crops benefit from wasp pollination, and wasps control pest populations that can damage gardens and crops.
Their stinging should not be condoned, but also not feared excessively. With proper precautions, we can coexist safely with these misunderstood insects and better appreciate the complex and important roles they play in nature.
It’s Safe to Remove a Wasp (or bee) Nest at Night
While this rumor is founded in truth, it is in fact false. In reality, taking down a nest at night is much safer than during the day because bees and wasps are less active then. However, that doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe. Wasps or bees that are disturbed at night still carry the potential to sting you.
Wasps Don’t Produce Honey (and all bees do)
While this one may be true in your particular area of the world, it is actually false. There are some species of wasp, particularly the Mexican Honey Wasp, that do produce honey. In fact, according to Reader’s Digest, less than 5% of all bee species make honey.
What is the Difference Between Bees, Wasps, and Hornets?
FAQ
Is a wasp sting worse than a bee?
How aggressive are wasps?
Are wasps more likely to sting certain people?
Can bees fight off wasps?
Are bees more aggressive than wasps?
Compared to wasps, however, bees are less aggressive. The bee’s stinger mechanism is strictly for defense, and most honeybees will die after stinging a predator or other threatening being. That is because bee stingers are barbed, and stay in the target of the sting attack.
What is the difference between bees and wasps?
Many of us are unaware of the difference between bees and wasps and consider both of them equally harmful. However, this is not the case. Although they may look similar in color, the physical and behavioral characteristics of bees and wasps are different. Less aggressive compared to wasps. Honey bees die after they sting someone.
Are wasps more likely to sting than honeybees?
Let me get the obvious out of the way: Both wasps and honeybees can deliver painful stings. But as mentioned, wasps are more likely to sting because they’re feisty in nature. Honeybees will usually only sting if they’re seriously provoked – like if you touch them or get too close to their hive.
Are wasps aggressive?
Wasps are predatory and—unlike bees—will hunt and kill other insects, including bees. In fact, there aren’t many insects that aren’t hunted by wasps, and they are even known to scavenge on carrion. Because of this, wasps have earned a reputation for being aggressive.
Why does a wasp kill a bee?
The stringer is ripped from the thorax of the bee and this stress eventually causes its death. Wasps are more aggressive since they are usually predators. Unlike a bee, a wasp can easily be provoked. Sometimes it can sting you while trying to brush it away.
Are wasps a bad thing?
Wasps have a bad reputation for being troublesome and mean, for preying on bees and having a carnivorous or scavenging nature, and for not contributing much to the ecosystem. This is false of course. Wasps are in just as much danger as bees, and their extinction would be just as catastrophic.