Bees and Wasps are those insects that we may come across now and then. Wasp and Bees construct their shelter in nooks and corners of the house.
Both bee stings and Wasp stings can cause pain and form an allergic reaction to human skin. Bee and Wasp stings can cause severe pain. Both the stings of bees and wasps may lead to severe illness if left untreated.
Key Takeaways
- Bee stings contain a barbed stinger that detaches from the bee, while wasp stings feature a smooth stinger that remains attached to the wasp.
- Bees can only sting once, resulting in death, whereas wasps can sting multiple times without harm.
- Bee venom induces a localized reaction with mild pain and swelling, while wasp venom may cause more severe pain and increased inflammation.
Bee vs Wasp Sting
Bees can sting only once, while the wasp stings multiple times. A bee dies after stinging once, and a wasp will not die despite repeatedly stinging. A wasp sting is more poisonous than a bee sting. A bee injects 50 micrograms of venom in a sting, while a wasp injects only 15 micrograms in a sting.
Bees are common insects that we encounter now and then. They are friendly in nature. Honey bee makes honey. Honey is considered their winter food.
There are around twenty-five thousand species of bees. They are considered great pollinators. A bee sting can cause pain and forms an allergic reaction in the human skin.
Wasps are deadly and hostile in nature. They have no hair on their body. They never leave back their stinger. The wasp does not make honey. They keep pest control in check by consuming the insects found in the garden.
Unlike bees, wasp consumes the human food (sweets and drinks) that are found in them. Wasps can be identified by their dangling legs.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Bee Sting | Wasp Sting |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Bees have a round body and come in colours such as yellow and black. | Wasps have a body that is similar to a cylinder and comes in a variety of colours. |
| Nature | They are human friendly in nature. | Wasps are non-friendly in nature. |
| Sting | The bee sting can cause pain and infection. Bees leave their stings behind. | Wasp stings are also painful and cause infections. They never leave their sting behind. |
| Common home remedies | Cleaning the infected area and icing the spot where the bee-stung. | Cleaning the infected area and use a cold pack. Applying baking powder mixed with water. |
| Benefits | Bees produce honey. | Wasps are great pollinators. |
What is Bee Sting?
Bee is a popular insect that we encounter now and then. Their bodies are round and come in colours such as yellow and black. They have black stripes.
Apart from the regular black and yellow colours, bees also come in a variety of colours. Sweat bees come in green colours, which are considered the most colourful bee.
Bees are considered good pollinators, and also, they are human friendly, and they can be trained by a method called classical conditioning.
Beekeeping is a common practice where beehives are made artificially. These bee colonies are constructed for bees to increase pollination or used in the production of honey.
The bee stings can cause severe and sharp pain in the human skin. Usually, bee stings can be treated with home remedies.
Apart from a bee sting, the bees make honey, a liquid that appears slightly gold in colour and tastes very sweet when consumed. Interestingly, honey never gets spoiled, given that they are well preserved and maintained.
Eighty per cent of honey contains sugar, and only twenty per cent of honey contains water.
Honey also contains a lot of health benefits. They contain a good amount of anti-oxidants needed for the body. The sugar present in the honey is collected from the nectar of a million flowers by the honey bees from the environment.
Honey is also considered a medicinal liquid.
What is Wasp Sting?
Wasp is non-friendly in nature. They have a body that is similar to a cylinder. Some of the usual colours of wasps include yellow, brown, thick red and shiny blue.
The stings of a wasp sting are deadly and can cause severe pain and forms an allergic reaction on the human skin.
The after-effects of a wasp sting are dizziness, rash and wheezing. The bite should be taken care of with proper medical aid, or it may lead to serious illness.
Unlike bees, wasps do not leave behind their stingers. The wasps can be better identified with their dangling legs.
These wasps are considered as self-defence of wasps to protect themselves from danger. One may experience sharp pain when a wasp stings, which is then followed by irritation.
The area where it bit may be reddish and swollen. A tiny dot or mark is formed on the skin’s surface.
The dot is identified as the area where the wasp stings. Usually, the wasp stings can be healed by natural home remedies, and the redness may return to normal skin tone within a few hours, but, in some cases, the victim may feel dizziness and wheezing.
Main Differences Between Bee and Wasp Sting
- The bees leave back their stings. On the other hand, Wasps do not leave their stings back.
- Bees are human-friendly in nature, whereas wasps are hostile and non-friendly in nature.
- Post wasp sting, one may experience dizziness, wheezing and irritation. In the aftermath of a bee sting, one may experience an allergic reaction on the skin’s surface.
- The most common home remedy for a wasp sting is applying baking powder mixed with water. The same goes for bee stings too.
- Bees produce honey and are considered to be great pollinators. On the other hand, unlike bees, wasps do not make honey. Instead, they are also great pollinators.
Last Updated : 09 August, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The comparison table was particularly useful to understand the differences between bee and wasp stings. It’s fascinating to learn about the various characteristics of these insects.
I completely agree, Lilly. Having a clear understanding of bees and wasps can help us avoid potential dangers and recognize their important roles in the ecosystem.
The comprehensive overview of bee and wasp stings, along with their characteristics, is highly informative and promotes a better understanding of these insects. The importance of this knowledge cannot be understated.
Well said, Zcampbell. Equipping ourselves with knowledge about bees and wasps is essential for ensuring safety and minimizing potential hazards associated with their presence.
The detailed descriptions of bee and wasp stings, as well as their physical attributes, contribute to a deeper understanding of these insects. This knowledge is crucial for overall safety and preparedness.
I completely agree, Ward. This article serves as an informative resource to educate readers about the significance of bee and wasp awareness while promoting safety measures.
Absolutely, Sarah. Raising awareness about the distinct features and behaviors of bees and wasps is fundamental for fostering a safe environment for everyone.
The comparison of bee and wasp stings in terms of venom and severity is valuable information that promotes awareness and safety when dealing with these insects.
I share the same view, Ltaylor. Understanding the differences in stings can contribute to better preparation and responses when encountering bees or wasps.
Thank you for the detailed comparison between bees and wasps, including their stings and venom. It’s important to know the differences to avoid allergic reactions or severe illnesses.
I couldn’t agree more, Isabelle. Being knowledgeable about these insects and their behaviors is crucial for everyone’s safety.
Absolutely, Isabelle. This information is very valuable, especially for those who may come into contact with bees and wasps regularly.
This article provides comprehensive information about the physical characteristics, nature, and behaviors of bees and wasps. Understanding their differences is essential for everyone’s well-being.
I share the same sentiment, Kelly. It’s crucial for individuals to be aware of how to differentiate between bees and wasps to minimize any potential risks.
The comparison table and detailed descriptions enhance our understanding of bees and wasps. This information is valuable for promoting awareness and safety in interactions with these insects.
Absolutely, Pauline. Educating ourselves about the characteristics and behavior of bees and wasps can help us mitigate any risks associated with their presence.
The article’s in-depth analysis of bee and wasp stings provides valuable insights. Understanding the differences in their venom and effects is crucial for effective response and care.
Well stated, Jonathan. This comprehensive information empowers readers to make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions around bees and wasps.
I completely agree, Jonathan. Heightened awareness about the characteristics and potential impacts of bee and wasp stings is essential for personal safety and well-being.
The detailed descriptions of bees and wasps are enlightening. Their distinct features and behaviors, as well as the potential effects of their stings, are essential knowledge for everyone.
Absolutely, Damien. This article serves as an educational resource to raise awareness about the significance of bees and wasps while emphasizing the importance of safety measures.
I couldn’t agree more, Damien. It’s important for us to recognize and appreciate the roles of these organisms while being mindful of the impact of their stings.
The article’s detailed explanations about bee stings, wasp stings, and their physical characteristics are enlightening. This knowledge is beneficial for understanding and dealing with these insects.
Well said, Maisie. This informative content equips readers with essential knowledge about these insects and their potential impact on human health.
I agree, Maisie. Having a deeper understanding of bees and wasps allows us to interact with them more safely and responsibly.