TechNotes Tips - Bees Archive

Carpenter bees are often times flying around garages and other wooden structures in early spring. Carpenter bees are not honey “bumble” bees, although they may look like them. Carpenter bees have a wider head (as thick as the thorax) and usually have a shiny black abdomen. The females will burrow into wooden structures. Generally, the females are not a problem but the male is quite territorial. The male is short sighted and will hover and buzz anything in their territory. Many homeowners think these “bumble bees” are attacking them. Fortunately, the males do not have a stinger, so they do no harm.

Ground bees are often noticed flying over lawns located in the transition zone. Ground bees are solitary bees that seldom sting and are non-aggressive. TechNotes Volume III, Issue 16, April 20, 2000 Go to Top Listing »

Yellowjacket populations are high in the late summer months. Yellowjacket adults feed on carbohydrates like those common in many outdoor picnics and get togethers. As yellowjackets congregate around food or garbage cans, they become a nuisance to many homeowners. Homeowners should NOT swat, injure or crush a yellowjacket. Once a yellowjacket is injured or killed, it releases a chemical that signals other yellowjackets flying around to attack anything in their way.

These meat-eaters usually feast on caterpillars and flies early in the year. During late summer, their appetites switch from the high protein diets of insects to a carbohydrate diet as adults. Thus, these adults are more obvious around trash bins and open soda cans. At this time yellowjackets can attack with little provocation. Yellow jackets do not overwinter so with cooler temperatures of fall, they begin to become more lethargic. Thus, they should be left alone unless a nest presents a hazard to a customer. If destroying a nest is desirable, check with your local extension office for more information. Keep in mind that the nest should be destroyed at night, preferably a cool night, when the yellowjackets are sleeping. Destroying a nest during daylight can be hazardous since the yellowjackets will leave their nest and attack you!

Yellow jackets do not overwinter, so with the arrival of cooler temperatures in the fall they begin to become more lethargic.