Bees

Bees are essential pollinators that play a vital role in supporting the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants. However, when bees invade residential or commercial properties, they can pose a danger to people and pets. Their stings can be painful and, in some cases, life-threatening to those with allergies.

Common pest species found in New York:

Western Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Honey bees are extremely beneficial pollinators of plants and crops, in addition to being domesticated producers of honey.

They are not typically considered pests, although foraging workers may occasionally wander into a home or building.

Honey bees inflict a sharp, painful sting if threatened. They are the only type of bee with barbed stingers, which means that the stinger breaks off after use and causes the bee to die.

(Photo: Oregon Department of Agriculture)

Western Honey Bee

Size: Workers are 3/8–5/8 inch long (10–15 mm); males are 5/8–2/3 inch long (15–17 mm); queens are 2/3–3/4 inch long (18–20 mm)

Color: Brownish-black and golden-yellow

Shape: Fuzzy, slim body with a pointed abdomen, thin antennae, 6 legs, and 2 pairs of wings

Legs: 6 legs; dark brown or black in color; workers’ hind legs have a “pollen basket” (a smooth cavity on the tibia surrounded by a fringe of hairs for collecting pollen)

Antennae: Thin, elbowed antennae

Head: Fuzzy, heart-shaped head with 5 eyes (2 large compound eyes + 3 small simple eyes); mostly black with yellow hairs

Body: Thorax is densely covered with golden-yellow hair; abdomen is pointed and black-colored with several rings of short, yellow hair, giving it an alternating black and yellow appearance

Stinger: Workers have barbed stingers, while queens have non-barbed stingers; males (drones) lack stingers

Wings: 2 pairs of clear, translucent wings

Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Bombus impatiens

Like honey bees, bumble bees are also beneficial insects. They are only considered pests if they nest too close to human-inhabited areas.

These bees build their hives underground, usually under rocks and vegetation or in empty rodent burrows. Occasionally, they might take up residence in shady areas around peoples’ homes and yards.

Bumble bees are normally not aggressive until their nest is disturbed. Unlike honey bees, bumble bees can sting multiple times.

(Photo: UF/IFAS Entomology And Nematology Department)

Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Size: Workers are 1/3–2/3 inch long (8.5–16 mm); males are 1/2–2/3 inch long (12–18 mm); queens are 2/3–1 inch long (17–23 mm)

Color: Black and pale yellow

Shape: Fuzzy body with a rectangular abdomen, thin antennae, 6 legs, and 2 pairs of wings

Legs: 6 legs; fuzzy and mostly black with a few yellow hairs

Antennae: Thin, elbowed antennae

Head: Fuzzy, round head with 5 eyes (2 large compound eyes + 3 small simple eyes); females have black faces, while males have yellow faces

Body: Covered in short, fuzzy hairs; thorax is mostly yellow with a sparsely-haired black spot in the middle; abdomen is rectangular-shaped and covered in black hair (except for the 1st abdominal segment, which is yellow)

Stinger: Not barbed; females have stingers while males do not

Wings: 2 pairs of clear, translucent wings

Eastern Carpenter Bee

Xylocopa virginica

Carpenter bees are wood-destroying pests that drill perfectly round, 1/2-inch diameter holes into wood as they build their nests.

They are solitary bees that do not form hives or colonies. Rather, they prefer to live in small groups with individual nests.

Carpenter bees can cause significant cosmetic and structural damage when they target wooden building structures and outdoor furniture. They are not aggressive and rarely sting (only if handled).

Eastern Carpenter Bee

Size: 3/4–1 inch long (19–23 mm); about the length of a quarter

Color: Black and pale yellow

Shape: Stout, oval-shaped body with a fuzzy thorax, thin antennae, 6 legs, and 2 pairs of wings

Legs: 6 legs; black and fuzzy

Antennae: Thin, elbowed antennae

Head: 5 eyes (2 large compound eyes on the sides and 3 small simple eyes in the center); sharp, wedge-shaped mouthparts for boring into wood

Body: Fuzzy-looking thorax covered in pale, yellowish hairs with a dark bald spot in the center; abdomen is smooth (mostly hairless) and black with a slight metallic purple tint

Stinger: Not barbed; females have stingers while males do not

Wings: 2 pairs of translucent wings with black veins