Pollinators

A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Bees: Identification, Importance, and Control

Have you ever wondered how to distinguish a bee from a wasp or a fly? Do you know which ones are dangerous or harmless? Why is it important to protect bees despite their occasional nuisance? Bees are essential to our ecosystem, playing a crucial role in pollination. However, not all flying insects are bees, and not all bees are harmless. This guide will help you to identify bees, differentiate them from wasps and flies, understand their importance, and provide tips on managing and controlling bees and wasps around your home and garden.

1) Identifying bees, wasps, and flies

	BEES Body: robust, hairy body which helps them collect pollen. Color: typically black or brown with yellow, white, or orange stripes. Beehavior: generally non-aggressive unless provoked. Common types: Honeybees, Bumblebees, and Carpenter bees.
	WASPS Body: slender, smooth body with a narrow waist. Color: bright yellow and black or sometimes red. Behavior: more aggressive than bees, and can sting multiple times. Common types: Yellowjackets and Hornets.
	FLIES Body: flies have a single pair of wings and large eyes. Color: often dark, sometimes metallic, and can vary greatly in size and shape. Some flies mimic wasps and bite (no sting), example: horseflies. Behavior: erratic flying patterns and typically found near waste, decomposing matter, animal wounds, feces, or food. Common types: Hoverflies, Domestic flies, and Horseflies.

2) Which ones to control and which to protect?

To control:

Carpenter bees: While they are pollinators, their nesting habits can damage wooden structures, which is why it’s necessary to control them. Wasps (including Yellowjackets and Hornets): Due to their aggressive nature and potential danger to humans, especially for people allergic to stings, controlling wasps is necessary. Houseflies, horseflies, and Fruit flies: Control is necessary to prevent the spread of diseases and infestations in homes and farms.

To protect:

Honeybees: Vital pollinators that are generally non-aggressive and should be protected. If a hive is problematic, consider contacting a beekeeper to relocate it rather than exterminating it. Bumblebees: Important pollinators that are usually non-aggressive and should be left undisturbed unless their nest poses a direct threat. Hoverflies: Beneficial pollinators that generally do not require control.

     

3) How to avoid bee stings:

• Avoid strong scents: Bees are attracted to floral scents and can be irritated by strong perfumes, deodorants, and lotions.
• Wear light-colored clothing: Dark colors and patterns can attract bees, while light colors are less appealing. Light, muted colors such as white, beige, and light pastels are less attractive to bees and wasps compared to dark or bright colors.
• Stay calm: If a bee or bumblebee approaches, remain still, or move away slowly. Swatting can provoke them.
• Secure food and beverages: Bees are drawn to sweet foods and drinks. Keep these covered when outdoors, and watch your children while eating ice cream, candies, or anything sweet.

4) Managing encounters:

• Don't Panic: If a bee lands on you, gently blow it away, wait for it to leave, or move gently to another place. Remember that bees are less aggressive than wasps, if there are wasps nearby try to stay away from them as they tend to sting even without being provoked.
• Avoid bright colors: Bright, floral colors like red, yellow, and orange can attract bees and wasps because they resemble flowers, so opt for muted tones when spending time outdoors.

5) Control methods:

Insect	Control method
Carpenter Bees	Paint or stain wood, they prefer untreated wood. Use insecticidal dust directly into the nest holes when bees are less active. Once the bees have vacated, seal the holes with wood putty or caulk.
Wasps	Keep food and garbage sealed and clean up spills. Set up traps away from common areas to lure wasps away. If you find a nest, consider hiring a professional to remove it safely. For smaller nests you can use a wasp spray at night when they are less active. (Always read the label of products and follow the instructions).
Flies	Keep food and waste covered, use fly traps, dispose of overripe fruits, keep areas clean, and ensure screens are intact. For hoverflies there’s no need to control unless they become a significant nuisance, they are harmless, and they help with pollination.
Repelling bees, wasps, and flies	Oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citronella can repel bees and wasps. Dilute with water and spray around entry points and outdoor areas.

       

Bees are critical pollinators, responsible for pollinating approximately one-third of the food we consume. Their activities help in the reproduction of many plants, contributing to biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems. By understanding the differences between bees, wasps, and flies, and recognizing the importance of bees in our ecosystem, you can make informed decisions about which insects need to be controlled and which should be protected.

For questions about helping pollinators, differences between bees and other insects, or any gardening question, please contact your nearest cooperative extension office. We’re always happy to help you with your gardening and agricultural projects.

Last updated August 20, 2024