Honey bees
Are social insects that live in well‑organized colonies made up of a queen, thousands of worker bees, and a few hundred drones. They collect nectar and pollen from flowers, turning nectar into honey and helping plants reproduce through pollination. This makes honey bees essential for many crops and wild plants. Though they can sting when threatened, they are generally gentle and focused on foraging and caring for the hive.
Wasps
Are slender, smooth‑bodied insects that can be either solitary or social, depending on the species. Social wasps, like paper wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets, live in colonies and build paper‑like nests from chewed wood fibers. Many wasps are predators, hunting other insects to feed their young, which makes them helpful for natural pest control. Because they can sting multiple times and may defend their nests aggressively, wasps should be treated with caution and respect around homes and outdoor spaces.
Common Bees of North Carolina
Yellow jackets
Are social wasps that live in colonies usually built underground or in enclosed spaces. They have bright yellow and black markings and a smooth stinger that allows them to sting multiple times. Unlike honey bees, yellow jackets are predators and scavengers, feeding on insects, meat, and sugary foods. They can become aggressive when defending their nest or when attracted to human food, making them a common late‑summer and fall pest around outdoor activities.
The Bees of North Carolina
Dive deeper into the world of bees with 'The Bees of North Carolina,' an extensive resource from NC State. Click below to explore!
Bumble bees
Are large, fuzzy bees known for their loud, buzzy flight and gentle nature. They live in small colonies, usually in the ground or in tucked‑away spaces, with a single queen and a few hundred workers. Bumble bees are excellent pollinators, especially in cooler weather and low light, visiting many types of wildflowers and crops. While they can sting if threatened, they are generally calm and spend their time foraging for nectar and pollen to support their colony.
Hornets
Are large, social wasps known for their powerful sting and strong colony defenses. They build paper‑like nests, often high in trees, on buildings, or in sheltered spaces, using chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. Hornets are predators that hunt other insects, which can help reduce pest populations. However, they can become very aggressive when their nest is disturbed, and their stings are more painful than those of many other wasps, so nests near people should be managed with care.