Bees, Wasps & Hornets
What Homeowners Need to Know
(Before Things Get Stingy)
The Good, The Bad, and The Unhinged
From honeybees buzzing around your azaleas to wasps building penthouse suites in your porch ceiling, Houston's warm Gulf Coast climate is prime real estate for these winged residents. Some are helpful, some are jerks, and some are downright unhinged. Proper identification is key because the difference between 'save it' and 'spray it' matters.
Common Species in Houston
Honey Bees
Houston’s most loved and protected pollinator.
Why You See Them
Responsible for pollinating 70–80% of food crops. They produce honey and are essential for our ecosystem, but colonies can move into walls, attics, and soffits.
The Problem
Hives can hold 30,000–60,000 bees.
Honey and comb cause structural damage when melting.
Improper removal attracts ants, roaches, and rodents.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
Honey bees should be relocated, not exterminated, whenever possible.
Bumble Bees
Big, fuzzy, gentle giants of the bee world.
Why You See Them
Excellent pollinators and generally docile. They rarely sting unless provoked, but colonies can grow quickly in warm weather, often nesting in abandoned burrows.
The Problem
Can nest under sheds or in ground burrows.
Large size intimidates homeowners.
Will defend nest if disturbed.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
Bumble bees vibrate their bodies to shake pollen loose — a move known as “buzz pollination.”
Carpenter Bees
Part bee, part carpenter… but not the kind you want.
Why You See Them
They drill round entry holes into wood. While they look like bumble bees, they are solitary and can damage fascia, decks, and fences.
The Problem
Drill holes into wood to nest.
Return year after year, expanding tunnels.
Attract woodpeckers (who cause even more damage).
Fun (or horrifying) stat
Carpenter bee activity can cause hundreds to thousands of dollars in repairs if left untreated.
Paper Wasps
The wasps most homeowners recognize.
Why You See Them
They build open paper nests on porch ceilings, window frames, and shutters. They are highly territorial and tend to nest close to human activity.
The Problem
Sting repeatedly.
Highly territorial.
Nest near entryways and high-traffic areas.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
Paper wasps account for a large percentage of emergency-room visits related to stings in Texas.
Yellowjackets
Aggressive, fast, and absolutely willing to chase you.
Why You See Them
They build underground nests, wall void nests, or hanging nests. They are extremely aggressive scavengers attracted to outdoor food and drinks.
The Problem
Extremely aggressive and fast.
Sting multiple times.
Swarm in large numbers when threatened.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
Yellowjacket colonies can exceed 5,000 insects by late summer.
Cicada Killers
Terrifying in appearance, actually harmless to humans.
Why You See Them
Up to 2 inches long, they dive-bomb lawns searching for cicadas. Often mistaken for 'giant hornets' but are solitary and rarely sting.
The Problem
Look terrifying (2 inches long).
Dive-bomb lawns aggressively.
Create unsightly dirt mounds in lawns.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
They rarely sting humans and don’t defend their ground nests aggressively.
Bald-Faced Hornets
Big, bold, black-and-white, and bad-tempered.
Why You See Them
Actually a type of wasp, they build large, gray football-shaped paper nests in trees or eaves. They are extremely aggressive defenders.
The Problem
Extremely aggressive.
Protect nest with coordinated attacks.
Nest sizes can exceed 400–700 individuals.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
If you see a football-shaped gray paper nest hanging from a branch — yes, that’s them.
What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into the local species, let’s break down the basics.
Hornets
A type of wasp, but bigger, meaner, and extremely territorial. They pack a significantly more painful sting.
Wasps
Sleek, shiny, and more aggressive. Can sting repeatedly. Predatory nature feeds on other insects.
Bees
Fuzzy, friendly, and vital for pollination. Less aggressive unless threatened. Honeybees sting once; bumblebees multiple times.
Why Professional Treatment Is Important
While DIY sprays seem tempting, they often scatter insects deeper into the home or trigger dangerous swarming behavior.
Proper Identification of Species
Complete Nest Removal
Long-term Prevention
Protection for Families & Pet
The Risks of Bees, Wasps & Hornets
While some are beneficial, infestations can escalate quickly and pose serious safety risks.
Stings & Allergic Reactions
Texas sees thousands of sting-related medical visits annually.
Symptoms range from pain and swelling to severe breathing difficulty.
Multiple stings can be dangerous even for non-allergic individuals.
Health and Safety Risks
Carpenter bees drill into wood fascia and decks.
Honey bee hives inside walls can melt, causing
rot and attracting other pests.
Wasps build nests in entryways, damaging paint and siding.
Rapid Colonization
Most wasps and hornets defend nests aggressively.
A small nest in spring can become a massive colony by late summer.
Late summer colonies are at peak aggression and population.
Waiting even a few weeks can turn a minor issue into a full infestation.
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