A Bee or Not A Bee? That is the Question.

Summer brings a lot of buzz; vacation, swimming, gardening, camping and sporting events abound. We Ohioans get excited as schoolkids when the weather breaks and we know, without a doubt, it is summer in Cleveland! We soak up as much sun as possible by grilling out, sleeping out and laying out. 

Guess who else loves the summer? Bees and Wasps! Once the sun starts shining again over Northeast Ohio, it seems like the bees and wasps are everywhere we want to be. They buzz around our food, they buzz around our heads and sometimes make themselves at home like unwanted house guests. 

Our first reaction is usually to grab the fly swatter and go to battle. However, there are some instances when a situation like this could be potentially dangerous if you are unsure if you are swatting at a bee or a wasp. Here are a few tips on identifying what you are dealing with:

• Bees have more hair on their bodies than Wasps
• Bees can have all black or brown bodies with a bit of color throughout
• Wasps have a distinct black and yellow pattern on their bodies
• Wasps have a narrow "waist"
• Bees are normally passive
• Bees tend to stay busy working
• Wasps are in and out of there nests often

Credit: Heather Holm

This difference is especially important if you believe you have a nest. Never try and eliminate a Wasps' nest yourself. Wasps are aggressive, and depending on the species, could sting more than once and swarm. 


If you've identified Wasps as your pest, it is best to call a professional to address the issue rather than putting yourself and family in harm's way. 


At A & J, we specialize in this type of removal and would be happy to come take a look. Call us at 440-635-6564.