What do bees look like?

Bees are social insects, although some species are solitary. Honey bees make up the bulk of a colony’s population and dwell in hives with a caste system made up of queens, reproductive males, and workers both male and female. While most bee species are not inherently aggressive by nature, they do have barbed stingers that they can use to defend the colony or ward off assaults. The stinger separates from the bee after it has been stung, rupturing the abdomen and causing the bee to die. Compared to wasps, bees have broader, hairier bodies and legs than wasps.

What do wasps & hornets look like?

Wasps are hairless, unlike typical bee species. The thorax is joined to the abdomen by a pinched petiole, giving the impression of a tiny/slender waist. Wasps have three pairs of legs and two pairs of membranous wings are found on the thorax, which are used for flight. The head components, including mouthparts, sense organs, compound eyes, and segmented antennae, are comparable to those of other insects. The size and color of a wasp’s body vary from species to species. Hornets are similar in appearance to wasps, but they are larger in size. They have a thick waist and a large head. Hornets can be distinguished from wasps by their brown and yellow stripes.

What do you do if you have a bee, wasp, or hornet infestation?

Some species of bees and wasps create hives below ground as well as above. If you see them entering/exiting from the ground, there is likely a nest below. Don’t wait. Near the end of summer, wasps switch to collecting carbohydrates, which can make them far more aggressive.

What is involved with Bee Removal & Wasp Extermination?

When we arrive for bee or wasp extermination in Edmonton, our first step is to identify the pest. We then develop a plan for removal which will include:

• Finding the entrances/exits to the hive
• Determining if the hive is above or below ground
• Inspecting for other hives on the property
• Once we know what we’re up against, we can begin the process of bee or wasp removal in Edmonton. For bees, we usually call a beekeeper to remove the hive. For wasps, extermination will usually involve spraying the hive with an insecticide. We always take care to use products that are effective, but also safe for people and pets. In some cases, the entire hive may need to be removed.

If you have a bee or wasp problem, don’t wait. Contact Birch Fumigators today! We offer pest control in Edmonton and surrounding areas and would be happy to help you get rid of your bee or wasp problem.

Facts About Bees

• There are 3 kinds of bees: queen, worker, and drones.
• All the workers in a hive are female.
• Male bees are drones and do not have a stinger.
• The bees use their honeycomb cells to raise their babies and to store nectar, honey, pollen, and water.

Facts About Wasps

• Unlike bees, wasps do not produce honey.
• Wasps will consume garbage and other waste when insects are minimal.
• Only females have stingers, and their duty is to protect the hive.