When the sunny weather comes around, it is primetime for bees to start buzzing.   Many people wonder; what type of bee is it? Will it sting me? Are they just a nuisance or can they harm my home?  This article will describe the common bees/ wasps you will most likely see in the Northeast.

Carpenter bees: Carpenter bees are the pests you have to worry about destroying your home.  This type of bee is ½ to 1" in length that had a black body with yellow hair, two wings and six legs.  Carpenter bees are attractive to moist wood.  Carpenter bees will drill out wood, not eating it, and nest there.  You will see saw dust where there is activity and if not treated, there can be a lot of damage to a home.

Yellowjackets: Yellowjackets are the type of wasp that stings the most.  Yellowjackets are 3/8 to 5/8" in length.  They have two wings, six legs, and a black and yellow stripped body.  Most yellowjacket nests are located under the ground, but occasionally they will build their nest on the side of homes or trees.  When a human disturb the nests, yellowjackets feel threatened and will sting.  The sting can be very painful.  This wasp can sting many times, so one you get stung try to leave the area or move indoors.  The wasps feed on larvae and then in the summer switch to fruits and garbage.

Whitefaced hornets: Closely related to yellowjackets, whitefaced hornets are black and white in color. They are usually 5/8 to 1" in length with two wings and six legs.  Like yellowjackets, these hornets can sting multiple times so if you get stung, move away from the area.  Their nests are usually located in elevated areas, like bushes or trees.  They are attracted to human food.

Paper wasps: Paper wasps look very similar to yellowjackets; yellow and black stripped body with two wings and six legs.  They need a branch or twig to start their nests, so there will usually live in bushes or trees.  Like the whitefaced hornets, the nests are usually disturbed while people are doing yard work around the yard.  People can be allergic to either bees or wasps, so in you get stung and have an allergic reaction, get medical help immediately.

Bees and wasps are a nuisance to humans.  They can harm people if disturbed and cause damage to homes.   JP McHale Pest Management is a Westchester pest control company that serves in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut area. We are a family business that has run over 30 years. We offer home solutions that are safe and effective in the prevention of pests in and around homes. Our services cover bee and wasp extermination, so please contact us with any questions or to get an estimate for your home.