(212) 219-8218
Bee Identification & Control
About Bees
Bees are among the most important pollinators worldwide, contributing to the health of ecosystems and supporting agriculture through pollination. With over 20,000 species globally, bees are a diverse group of insects that play essential ecological roles.
However, they can become pests when they nest near homes or in structures. This can cause concerns for safety due to potential stings or structural damage, especially in cases of carpenter bees boring into wood.
Appearance
Bees share common features such as segmented bodies with a head, thorax, and abdomen. They also have six legs, two antennae, and two pairs of wings. Their bodies are often covered in fine hairs, which aid in pollen collection.
Behavior
Most bee species exhibit one of two primary behaviors: social or solitary.
- Honey bees and bumblebees are social insects that live in colonies, with a structured hierarchy that includes a queen, workers, and drones.
- Carpenter bees, in contrast, are mostly solitary and do not live in colonies (although some exhibit primitive social behaviors). Instead, individual females create nests by boring into wood.
Bee activity is driven by their need to forage for nectar and pollen. Honey bees, in particular, are known for their ability to communicate through dance, guiding others to food sources.
Risks
While bees are beneficial to the environment, they can pose risks when they nest too close to human activity. Common risks include:
- Stings: Both honey bees and bumblebees can sting when threatened, though honey bees can only sting once. Bumblebees can sting multiple times without dying.
- Structural damage: Carpenter bees can cause significant damage to wooden structures by boring holes to build nests. Over time, this can weaken beams and outdoor furniture.
- Swarming: Honey bee swarms can be alarming when large numbers of bees cluster outside their original hive while searching for a new nesting site.
Identification
Honey Bee
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are social insects known for their critical role in pollination and their production of honey and wax. These small, striped yellow and black bees live in large colonies consisting of a queen, workers, and drones.
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: 3/8″ – 5/8″ (10 – 15 mm)
Color: Brownish-black and golden-yellow
Identifying Features:
- A slender, fuzzy body with black and yellow stripes
- A heart-shaped face
- 2 pairs of clear, translucent wings
- 6 fuzzy legs
- Workers have a pollen basket on their hind legs – a smooth cavity on the tibia surrounded by hairs for collecting pollen.
Bumble Bee
Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are large, fuzzy pollinators that live in smaller colonies than honey bees. They 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: 1/3″ – 2/3″ (8.5 – 16 mm)
Color: Black with yellow, white, orange, or reddish-brown stripes
Identifying Features:
- A stout, fuzzy body covered with dense hair
- Most species have 1 or 2 distinct patches of yellow hair on the thorax and abdomen, plus a patch of yellow, white, orange, or reddish-brown hair at the tail end
- 2 pairs of clear, translucent wings
- 6 fuzzy legs
Carpenter Bee
Carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica) are wood-destroying pests that drill perfectly round, 1/2″ diameter holes into wood as they build their nests. They are traditionally considered solitary bees that do not form hives or colonies. Instead, 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″ (19 – 23 mm)
Color: Black and pale yellow
Identifying Features:
- A fuzzy thorax with pale yellowish hairs and a sparsely-haired black spot in the center
- A shiny, hairless abdomen that’s mostly black with a slight metallic purple tint
- Sharp, wedge-shaped mouthparts for boring into wood
- 2 pairs of translucent wings with dark-colored veins
- 6 fuzzy legs
Control
How to Get Rid of Bees
Managing bee populations involves a balance between conservation and ensuring they do not cause harm or damage structures.
Honey Bees
Honey bees are critical pollinators, so non-lethal control methods are preferred whenever possible.
Swarming honey bees are generally docile and not a threat unless provoked. If a swarm is spotted, it is best to contact a local beekeeper who can safely relocate the bees without harming them.
Bumble Bees
Bumble bees build underground nests that look like small, 1/2″ diameter holes, usually in sheltered areas with soft soil. They do not post a direct risk to humans unless the nest is located in a high traffic area, such as near a doorway or under a porch.
If immediate removal is not necessary, it’s often a good idea to wait until the bees vacate the nest naturally. That’s because their nests are seasonal, and most will be abandoned by late fall.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees prefer untreated, weathered wood for nesting, so you can prevent infestations by regularly painting or staining exposed wooden surfaces, such as decks, fences, eaves, and siding.
If you discover carpenter bees boring into wood, you can use diatomaceous earth and other insecticidal dusts to eliminate them. Apply the dust directly into their tunnel entrances, preferably at night when the bees are inside.
Carpenter bee traps are another non-chemical method for reducing bee populations. These traps are designed to mimic carpenter bees’ preferred nesting holes, luring them inside.
FAQs
Do Carpenter Bees Sting?
Male carpenter bees are often aggressive, hovering near nests and mock-attacking humans, but they lack stingers. Female carpenter bees have stingers but rarely sting unless provoked.
Do Bumble Bees Sting?
Bumblebees are generally docile but will sting if their nest is disturbed. Unlike honey bees, bumblebees can sting multiple times.
Our Services
At MMPC, we use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, focusing on eco-friendly bee removal and exclusion techniques. Our technicians will safely remove hives, repair damage, and prevent future infestations by sealing off potential nesting sites.
Need help getting rid of bees? Talk to one of our pest experts today.