Bees and wasps share many similar qualities, including their appearances, diets, and habitats. But each species is clearly unique upon closer inspection, and it is important to know the traits of these three species that are common in Swansea.

Carpenter bees are a much different pest than honey bees or bumble bees. True to their name, carpenter bees chew small holes in wood and create tunnels that they will eventually lay their eggs within. They make a mixture of pollen and nectar, called bee bread, that will feed their larvae growing in the individual cells inside the tunnels. Carpenter bees are large and shiny, and often completely black except for a small patch of yellow behind their heads. They are much more docile than most stinging insects, but carpenter bees can cause extensive damage to the wood they invade. 

Paper wasps are most commonly found right next to, if not inside, houses and buildings. They like to hang their nests from eaves and tree branches, which house all life stages of their colony. Paper wasps get their name from the material they use to construct their nests, which is a papery substance resulting from the wasps combining wood with their saliva to soften it. The queens are often the only survivors every winter, and they do so by overwintering inside a structure. Paper wasps feed insects to their larvae, but the adults live on pollen and nectar like most bees and wasps. Their strange nests and reddish coloring separate these pests from other wasps.

Yellow jackets have more yellow coloring than other wasps due to the golden spots on their legs and abdomens. They have a unique way of nesting, as they keep their nests underground and hidden from potential predators. Yellow jackets are also called “meat bees” because of how they hover above meat, such as the main courses at a backyard barbecue. These pests also like to invade garbage cans and fly around sugary foods and drinks, and are often seen doing so at the park on a hot summer day. Yellow jackets are one of the most aggressive stinging insects, especially if their nest is disturbed or if they are threatened while searching for food.

Whether your pest problem is one of these species or a different one entirely, Pointe Pest Control is here to help. The safety and comfort of you, your family, and your pets are our main priorities. We want all Swansea homeowners and business owners to live free of stinging pests, especially in the warmer months when these insects are active. Contact us today for a free quote on our efficient services!