How to Identify Wasps

Wasps are one of the most misunderstood insects. When it comes to wasps, most people only picture one species, the yellow wasp! In fact, wasps are one of the most diverse groups of insects in nature with all sorts of different species. You can narrow down the range of bees you’re identifying by observing the colors and characteristics of the bees and hive, but don’t get too close. Unlike honey bees, wasps do not die after stinging, so you must keep yourself safe by watching them from a distance!

Table of Contents

Yellow bee

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This is the most common (and most aggressive) wasp species. They are swarms of bees, so you can see many in the same place. These insects are usually about 1 cm – 1.5 cm long with characteristic yellow and black stripes. They build small beehives surrounded by honeycombs, usually in trees, in bushes, in attics and lawns. Yellow wasps are the most common wasp species in North America and are very aggressive, so stay away! ^{[1] X Research Source}

Yellow bees are often very aggressive when defending the hive, so be careful not to go below the hive to observe. In general, they are most aggressive in late summer and fall. ^{[2] X Trusted Source University of Missouri Extension Go to Source}
Yellow bees are roamers who forage everywhere and eat almost anything, so they are often a nuisance to humans when outdoors. They can end up in an outdoor trash can if you open the lid.
Many people think of “wasps” and immediately think of yellow bees.

European paper wasps

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The European paper wasp is a swarming but not very aggressive wasp. They have a very similar appearance to yellow bees because they have black and yellow stripes that are almost identical to yellow bees and are about 2 cm in size. Paper bees also live in colonies so you may see many bees loitering around the hive. The best way to identify a paper wasp is to observe the hive. They build bulky structures that look like paper, often atop buildings or trees. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Yellow wasps and European paper wasps have essentially the same appearance; you will need to find the hive to distinguish these two species of bees.
Unlike the yellow wasp, the European paper wasp is quite docile. They can sting if they feel threatened, but do not suddenly attack like yellow bees.
Despite its name, the European paper wasp is extremely common in North America. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

North American paper wasps

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This bee is mainly dark brown with very light yellow stripes. Like the European paper wasp, the North American paper wasp builds paper-like structures on buildings and trees. They are slightly larger in size than their European cousins, usually about 2cm – 3cm long. ^{[5] X Research Source} North American paper wasps are generally less aggressive than many other wasp species, and male wasps don’t even sting! Normally, this species of bee doesn’t cause much of a problem. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

North American paper wasps are most prevalent in the eastern half of the United States and Canada.

Bees kill cicadas

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These fearsome wasps are solitary predators. As the name suggests, this bee lives by hunting cicadas and laying larvae on it. Therefore, if you see an insect flying and grabbing or attacking a cicada, it is probably a cicada killer bee. This species of bee is larger in size and can reach 5 cm in length. They are black and dark brown with yellow stripes and reddish wings. ^{[7] X Trusted Source The Smithsonian Institution Go to Source}

If you wonder why there are so many dead cicadas in your yard, perhaps the culprit is one of these bees. The cicada-killing bee burrows into the ground and lives completely alone, so you might not even know it’s there! ^{[8] X Trusted Source The Smithsonian Institution Go to Source}
These bees will sting if you disturb them. They can also get quite aggressive, so don’t get too close!

European wasps

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The European wasp looks like a large yellow wasp but has a slightly red head. This bee can reach 4 cm in length and is the largest native wasp species in the United States. They live in groups but often hide their nests by building nests in tree holes, attics, or abandoned buildings, so you probably don’t know where they come from. The best way to identify European hornets is to observe their behavior; they are one of the few wasps that are nocturnal and are attracted to light. ^{[9] X Research Source}

If you see a bee rushing through a window at night with the lights on in your house, chances are it’s a European wasp. ^{[10] X Research Source}
This species of bees will fiercely attack anyone who comes close to their hive. Unfortunately, their nests are rarely in conspicuous places, so you might suddenly find bees all around you without knowing where they’re coming from. If you suspect a wasp nest near your home, hire a professional to deal with it. ^{[11] X Trusted Source Penn State Extension Go to source}

Mud bee

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There are many species of mud wasps, but they are all similar in appearance and behavior. Mud wasps are solitary creatures and are rarely aggressive towards humans. This species of wasp is one of the most recognizable wasps species because they have a rather strange appearance compared to other wasps species. They are usually around 2cm-2.5cm in length but are extremely slender. Mud bees have a very pronounced “waist” that makes their abdomen and stinger appear separate from their upper body. Although it looks scary, these bees are mostly harmless. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Mud bees build nests of mud and soil. Their nests are usually small because they live alone.
Some mud bees build nests that are shaped like swarms of tubes, which look like parallel tubes.

Bald wasps

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This wasp is almost completely black and has additional yellowish-white spots. The white/yellow spots only appear on the upper body, so its black belly is usually a telltale sign. Bald wasps are usually about 1.2 cm – 2 cm long and live in colonies, so you may see many bees buzzing around the hive. They often build high nests in trees that look like footballs made of paper. ^{[13] X Research Source}

This species of wasp usually attacks other aggressive wasps and will not attack humans, unless you are within a few steps of their nest. Bald wasps often nest overhead, so they are often useful insects in the garden. ^{[14] X Trusted Source Penn State Extension Go to Source}

Asian giant wasp

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Also known as the killer wasp, this invasive wasp is very large. They are usually 5 cm or larger but have a wingspan of up to 7.5 cm. They are the largest wasp species in the world and often frighten people when encountered. They are easy to recognize thanks to their distinctive orange and black spots. The Asian giant wasp stings are painful, but they will not attack humans unless they feel threatened. ^{[15] X Research Source}

These bees live in colonies in nests and build nests underground in desolate areas. ^{[16] X Trusted Source Penn State Extension Go to source}
In North America, the Asian giant wasp is usually found only in Washington state and northwestern Canada. However, they are extremely popular in Asia. ^{[17] X Trusted Source Penn State Extension Go to Source}
These bees are invasive, which means they are harmful to the ecosystem. If you happen to come across Asian giant hornets, call a professional to get rid of them.
If you live outside of Washington state or British Cpumbia and see this bee, contact your state’s rural development department. They can cause serious damage if they continue to multiply. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

The bee digs the ground

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This strange bee digs nests underground and often stays in gardens. There are several different species of digging wasps, but they are usually dark in color with yellow or orange spots on their abdomens. Digging bees live alone, so you won’t see them swarming – unless you have a lush garden! This bee hunts for plant-damaging larvae, so if you see one, don’t kill them. Digging bees look scary, but they very rarely attack humans. ^{[19] X Trusted Source Penn State Extension Go to source}

Digging bees are usually about 2.5 cm long. ^{[20] X Research Source}

Bees for grass

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This solitary bee builds its nest entirely of grass. There are several different subspecies, but the tufts of grass they use to build their nests are an indication that you’re encountering a bee that grazes the grass. They are usually about 2 cm long and have a glossy black color. They do not attack humans and are often seen as beneficial insects with the role of pollinating plants. ^{[21] X Research Source}

Grass bees often build nests in unusual locations. You can find them in gutters, storm drains, or windowsills. Some even build nests on the ground, right in the open before everyone’s eyes!

Advice

Some species of wasps are less than 0.2 mm in size! This means that some species of bacteria are larger than some species of bees. ^{[22] X Research Source} Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about these little guys – they have no interest in humans.
Many scientists believe that honey bees and many species of wasps have evolved to mimic each other, as both have the ability to sting. It is also thought that the black and yellow combination signals to other insects or animals not to play with them! ^{[23] X Research Sources}

Warning

If you have been stung by a bee, call your doctor if the sting does not heal within a few days, if you are stung in your eyes or mouth, if the skin around the sting begins to swell or pus, or if you have symptoms like flu. ^{[24] X Research Source}
Many species of wasps that live in colonies, such as yellow wasps, secrete pheromones when they sense danger. This means they can call for reinforcements when they start attacking, so get out of there as soon as possible. ^{[25] X Research Sources}
People can be allergic to wasp stings as well as to honey bees. If you have an allergy to a bee sting, see your doctor right away. An untreated wasp sting can cause increased blood pressure, skin reactions, and even loss of consciousness. ^{[26] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

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