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Honeybees

(Length: 1/2")

These "hairy" bees have yellow and dark brown coloring and thick bodies. They are not aggressive and will leave people alone if not provoked, but they are defensive and will attack anything that threatens the colony or individual. They forage on pollen and nectar from which they produce honey to feed the colony. Honeybees usually nest inside cavities in trees, but will also nest in gaps beneath rock formations. Queens lay eggs at intervals, producing a colony of 60-80,000 workers. Their stings can be painful and can cause a serious reaction (anaphylactic shock) to allergic individuals. Settlers brought the Honey Bee to North America in the 17 th century.

Paper Wasps

(Length: 1/2 - 1")

Can be found in a variety of colors from reddish brown to dark red to orange with varying bright stripes of yellow and red. Paper wasps are predators and feed on insects, spiders and caterpillars. Several females build nests of paper-like cells (wood pulp and saliva) that are usually attached to the underside of a support (i.e. an eave, window, etc.) and hang down. Mated young queens overwinter under leaf litter and in stone walls. They are very protective of their nests and will defend against invaders with a painful sting.

Yellow Jackets

(Length: 1/2" – 5/8")

Often confused with honey bees due to their yellow and black markings, they can be distinguished from bees by their thin waists. Yellow jackets are social insects and will aggressively defend their nests, which are typically located in stumps, fallen logs or in the ground. They prey on a variety of insects, and also forage on foods people eat, especially sweets and meat. Their stings can be painful and can cause a serious reaction to allergic individuals.