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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 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.
Size: Workers are 3/8″ – 5/8″ long (10 – 15 mm); queens are 2/3″ – 3/4″ 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
Identifying Features
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.
Size: Workers are 1/3″ – 2/3″ long (8.5 – 16 mm); queens are 2/3″ – 1″ 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
Identifying Features
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″ 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).
Size: 3/4″ – 1″ 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
Identifying Features
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