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Bee vs wasp vs hornet: how to tell them apart

Bees, wasps and hornets are often confused, but they behave differently. Telling them apart helps you know how careful to be.

Bees

Bees are usually fuzzy and rounder, with hairy bodies that collect pollen. Honey bees are golden-brown; bumble bees are large and furry. A honey bee usually dies after stinging because its sting is barbed.

Wasps

Wasps such as yellowjackets are smooth and shiny with a narrow waist and bright yellow and black bands. They can sting many times and are attracted to sweet food and drinks in late summer.

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Hornets

Hornets are large wasps with bigger heads. The European hornet is brown and yellow; the northern giant hornet can reach 5 cm. Their stings are more painful, and nests should never be disturbed.

Staying safe around all three

Move away slowly and calmly; do not swat.
Keep sweet drinks covered outdoors and check cans before drinking.
Have nests near homes removed by a professional.
Anyone with a known sting allergy should carry their prescribed emergency treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Which one is most likely to sting?

Wasps and hornets defending a nest are more likely to sting than foraging bees.

Do all bees die after stinging?

No. Only honey bee workers usually die; bumble bees and most other bees can sting again.