What is the difference between Bees and Yellow Jackets?

Some people are confused about bees and yellow jackets because they seem to look the same. Actually, if you would look closely, there are some differences with their appearance. Yellowjackets will sting for absolutely no reason why honey bees will try their best not to sting because they would die the moment that they sting.

If you would check the colors of these two-winged insects, the yellow jacket has a more yellowish color as compared to the honey bees that will have a more honey-colored appearance. Take note that the honeybee will only act when they are provoked. The yellow jackets will not need any provocation in order to start acting aggressive and stinging.

Yellowjackets belong to the genera known as “wasps” but they are often confused and mistaken for bees because of the similarity in size and the fact that they also sting. Compared to bees, yellow jackets have a slimmer thorax. They have an exoskeleton and they are known to eat meat. Yellowjackets are the most aggressive member of the wasp’s genera.

They continue to sting a person until they are stopped. Bees have a larger thorax. They are more interested in pollinating flowers. They are also a major source of natural honey. Bees often move in large colonies and they are resistant to sting because a bee is known to lose half of its organs when it stings. Hope you find this information helpful.

A lot of people assume at first glance that yellow jackets and honey bees are the same because of their similar appearance but they do have some differences that will set one apart from the other. Honeybees are known to look for nectar that they will bring to their nest so that they can continue making more money. The yellow jacket is intent on looking for food.

There are yellow jackets that can become annoyed when you try to shoo them too much. Where they live are also different. Bees usually create hives on trees while yellow jackets will create an underground nest wherein they can thrive. Yellowjackets are also known to be more aggressive as compared to the gentle honey bees.

Between the two, the yellow jackets are known to be more aggressive as compared to honey bees. Honey bees are known to create houses that they will place on trees while yellow jackets will usually place the nests underground. Yellowjackets can sting without too much provocation, so you are more likely to become stung by a yellow jacket as compared to a honey bee.

When you see a swarm of yellow jackets, this may be an indication that there is an attack on their colony and they are trying to defend their colony. Honey bees may swarm because they would need to transfer to a much larger home than the home that they are living in now.