Types of Bees
The United States is home to many types of bees. The insects remain largely responsible for cross-pollination among a variety of plants.
Two types of native species that people encounter most frequently include bumble and carpenter bees.
These pollinating insects can sometimes venture too close to the human population, causing damage to property and plants in addition to presenting health emergencies for people with allergies.
What About Honey Bees?
Honey bees comprise some of the most recognized species of all bees found in the USA. Despite being known, and often feared, for their stinging capabilities, honey bees play a vital role in ensuring the productivity of commercial farms throughout the region and across the country.
Honey bees can sting, but in general they are pretty good.
Problem Bees (Bad Bees)
Carpenter Bees
Its important to understand that the only real problem bee is the carpenter bee.
Found throughout the North America, the eastern carpenter bee is the most destructive with regards to common household wooden structures.
With a lifespan as long as three years (but only about one year, on average), the eastern carpenter bee produces broods that return to the same nest location to begin additional nests, creating trouble for those with an infestation.
Active carpenter bee nests may also attract unwanted attention from woodpeckers seeking food, causing further damage to the wood and creating unwanted noise.
Bumble Bees
The main danger from bumble bees is their sting, which can occur multiple times since their stingers are smooth and do not detach.
Bumble bee stings can be painful and potentially require hospitalization for those allergic to bee venom.
Unlike carpenter bees, bumble bees generally do not damage manmade structures, even if they nest close to human dwellings.
Bee Stings
The most prevalent fear of bees is the sting. The sting can present minor problems for any person, however those who possess bee allergies would do particularly well to avoid the stinging insects to prevent a potential hospital trip.
Severely allergic persons should always have an epinephrine auto-injector nearby to alleviate anaphylaxis. If an infestation is thought to exist near residents with bee allergies, pest removal should be completed by a professional.
Signs of a Bee Infestation
Bumble bees and carpenter bees sometimes cut small slits in the ovaries of flowers to attain nectar that their tongues cannot reach. Should an infestation seem apparent, checking flowers may betray the presence of either species.
Additional signs of carpenter bees include sawdust accompanying small holes in wooden fences, wood on houses, decks and trees. These bees may also fly to and from the eaves of houses as the areas provide prime nesting locations.
Tips for Prevention
Few measures may completely stave off an infestation of bees, however those with a keen eye for gardening can attempt to combat invasions. When planted, certain flowers actually attract bees more than others.
Avoid highly attractive plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons and zinnias. Flowers like tulips and roses remain unattractive to most bees, while certain fruits and vegetables attract species that specialize in specific nectar removal. Carpenter and bumble bees are considered generalists and frequent many types of plants.
To limit the chances of a carpenter bee infestation, properly paint or stain any bare wood that may invite the insects to start a settlement. Although these prevention tips offer important information, the initiatives do not always effectively repel bees. The only sure way to take care of an infestation is to call a pest control professional.
What Do Bees Look Like?
Bees have six legs, four wings and two antennae. Females have stingers.
Regularly confused with wasps, bees are typically distinguished by the presence of feather-like body hair in contrast to the smooth bodies of their stinging counterparts.
Another distinction is the broad, hairy legs of bees which are often laden with pollen.
Is It a Honey Bee, Bumble Bee or Carpenter Bee?
Bumble Bees
Bumble bees, sometimes wrongly confused with carpenter bees, usually reach 3/4″ to 1″ in length and exhibit black, hairy abdomens with yellow or white bands of color.
Carpenter Bees
The carpenter varieties are differentiated by a lack of hair around the abdomen and display colors of blue, black, green or purple.
Honey Bees
Honey bees, generally ranging in length from about 1/3″ to 3/4″, carry pollen on the abdomen and are usually black with yellow hairs.
More Bee Facts
Habitat / Geographic Range
Bees begin pollinating in early spring and remain active during the summer months before completely subsiding in fall for the winter. Bumble bees normally build nests underground out of wax cells, although certain varieties of bees can sometimes be found in wall voids and under various types of manmade coverings. Often to the dismay of homeowners, the solitary carpenter bee burrows into dead or dying trees as well as wooden structures.
What Food Do Bees Eat?
Like many members of the order Hymenoptera, bees repeatedly seek nectar from flowering plants. Along the way, pollen is also collected as a source of protein and in turn is distributed to inseminate other plants for reproduction.
Life Cycle
With one queen per colony, bumble bees thrive as an annual social collective.
Queens emerge in early spring to search for nesting sites. Once a proper home is chosen, a queen lays eggs to populate the new colony. Soon after, workers begin their summer duties. In contrast to the social tendencies of bumble and honey bees, carpenter bees lead solitary lives, as each female individually mates with a male to produce offspring. Formal colonies do not ensue, though at times the bees congregate due to the desirable nature of a particular nesting site.