Bees
|
| |
|
Bumble Bees
Bumblebees are considered to be beneficial insects because they pollinate crops and plants. They are very social bees and live in large "families". | |||
Size: 1" Shape: Oval, bee shaped Color: Black with yellow stripes | Legs: 6 Wings: Yes Antenna: Yes | ||
Common Name: Bumble Bee Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda | Class: Insecta Order: Hymenoptera Family: Apidae Species: Bombus |
DIETWorker bees gather both pollen and nectar from flowers to feed to the larvae and other members of the colony.
HABITATBumblebees often nest in the ground, but can be found above ground around patio areas or decks. They will sometimes build their nests in attics or under roof beams. If disturbed, bumblebees will buzz in a loud volume, and they will aggressively defend their nests.
IMPACTAs part of the aggressive defense of their nests, bumblebees will chase nest invaders for long distances. The bumblebee sting is one of the most painful stings. Swelling and irritation can last for days after you are actually stung.
PREVENTION
- Bumblebees can be prevented through inspection of potential nesting areas and removal of potential nesting materials.
- Because bumblebees will sting when threatened, homeowners are advised not to address the infestation themselves. A pest management professional or beekeeper should be called in to help.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are solitary bees. They build nests just for themselves and only feed their own young. They get their name from their ability to drill through wood. Carpenter bee stingers are not barbed, so they are able to sting over and over again. | |||
Size: 1" Shape: Oval, bee shaped Color: Blue-black | Legs: 6 Wings: Yes Antenna: Yes | ||
Common Name: Carpenter Bee Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda | Class: Insecta Order: Hymenoptera Family: Apidae Species: Xylocopa |
DIET
Worker bees gather both pollen and nectar from flowers to feed to the larvae and other members of the colony.
HABITAT
Carpenter bees bore through soft woods to lay eggs and protect their larvae as they develop. Female carpenter bees will chew a tunnel into a piece of wood to build a nest gallery. The bits of wood she chews and deposits outside the nest are called "frass". The tunnel openings usually look about one or two inches deep, but they can be up to 10 feet long! These tunnels usually have several rooms where the bees hold their eggs and food.
IMPACT
Carpenter bees do not pose a public health threat, but they can do cosmetic damage to the wood where they build their nests. Carpenter bees are beneficial because they pollinate plants that are ignored by Honeybees.
PREVENTION
- Carpenter bees can drill into almost any wood, but prefer bare wood, so painting and staining wood can sometimes deter them.
- However, they will sometimes attack stained or painted wood, and their nests can be hard to reach, so a pest management professional or beekeeper should be called in to help.
Honeybee
Honeybees live in large "families" and are found all over the world. The honeybee is the only social insect whose colony can survive many years. That is because they huddle together and eat honey to keep themselves alive during the winter months. | |||
Size: 1/2" Shape: Oval, bee shaped Color: Golden yellow with brown bands | Legs: 6 Wings: Yes Antenna: Yes | ||
Common Name: Honeybee Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda | Class: Insecta Order: Hymenoptera Family: Apidae Species: Apis |
Honeybees produce honey from pollen and nectar of the plants they pollinate. They store the honey in honeycombs in their nests, which they use to feed their young in colder months.
HABITATHoneybee nests vary in size. They typically build their nests in tree crevices, but will occasionally build nests in attics or chimneys.
IMPACTHoneybees do sting, but they only sting once. The sting can be extremely painful if the stinger is not immediately removed from the skin. Persons allergic to insect stings will have a more severe reaction.
PREVENTION- Because honeybee colonies can be extremely large and removal can be very messy, only a pest management professional or experienced beekeeper can safely remove a honeybee nest.
Killer Bee
The Africanized Honeybee, also known as the "killer bee" lives in South America and the Western and Southern United States. They have been known to chase people for over a quarter of a mile once they get excited and aggressive. | |||
Size: 1/2" Shape: Oval, bee shape Color: Golden yellow with darker bands of brown. | Legs: 6 Wings: Yes Antenna: Yes | ||
Common Name: Africanized Honey Bees Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda | Class: Insecta Order: Hymenoptera Family: Apidae Species: Apis |
DIET
Worker bees gather both pollen and nectar from flowers to feed to the larvae and other members of the colony.
HABITAT
Africanized bees have small colonies, so they can build nests in unique places. They have been known to live in tires, crates, boxes, and empty cars.
IMPACT
Their venom is no more dangerous than regular honeybees-they just tend to attack in greater numbers, dramatically increasing the odds of having an allergic reaction to the venom. If you are chased by Africanized honeybees run in a zigzag pattern and seek shelter in a house or car. Do not jump in the water! They will just wait around until you come up for air.
PREVENTION
- Because of the aggressive nature of these pests, a pest management professional or beekeeper should be called in to help.
No comments:
Post a Comment