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Types of Bees

Types of Bees in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Most bees are active in the spring and summer months. Many species establish new nests and look for food to gain energy once winter is over. People start to notice them in their yards, near flowerbeds, or buzzing around at garden centers and parks. Although the Mid-Atlantic is home to different types of bees, three common species cause issues for home and business owners. If you’re wondering ho many types of bees are there, there are more than 20,000 species in the U.S. alone. In the interest of time, let’s focus on these 3 common types of bees.

Bumble Bees

A bumble bee has a rounded yellow and black body covered with fine hair. Queens are about three-quarters of an inch in length, but workers are about half that size. While females can sting multiple times, they only do so in self-defense. Since bumble bee colonies make their homes in the ground, residents and landscapers often see them when mowing or doing yard work. So, now you know what type of bees live in the ground!

Carpenter Bees

At around one inch in length, these carpenter bees are the biggest bees in the region. They look like large bumble bees with shiny black abdomens. These pests make small, pencil-sized holes and tunnels in wood to lay their eggs, often damaging the siding and fascia of buildings.

Males cannot sting, but they are territorial and will dive bomb people or animals that get too close to the nest. Females only attack invaders when threatened or injured.

Honeybees

This bee has a hairy, half-inch long black body with yellow or orange stripes. They pollinate plants and make honey to store as food for the colder months. Honeybees sometimes nest in buildings and construct large combs. They can only sting once, but honeybees are not defensive unless threatened. Some people are allergic to their venom, and many find them frightening, but they are arguably the most important animal in our ecosystem.

How to Deal with a Bee Problem

Although most are beneficial, bees can infest homes and other buildings and may deter customers from visiting businesses. Identifying different types of bees is important since, due to their agricultural importance, harming bees is illegal in some places. You also need to know the types of bee hives if you see one around. Best to let a Board Certified Entomologist identify both the hive and the bee. If you need assistance with a bee issue, contact the professionals at Western Pest Services for advice.

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