Not all buzzing insects are created equal—and not all of them are honey bees.
To provide more guidance on what to look for, we’ve put together a quick ID guide to help you recognize the most common types of bees (and bee lookalikes) you might see around your home. Knowing the difference can help you protect beneficial pollinators—and safely manage stinging pests.
Different Types of Bees
Here’s a quick guide to help you recognize the most common bee lookalikes in Ohio and beyond:
Honey Bee
- Look for: Fuzzy, golden-brown bodies with black stripes.
- Behavior: Gentle, social pollinators. Only sting when threatened.
- Nesting: In hives—often in tree hollows or man-made boxes.
Need help relocating honey bees? The Ohio State Beekeepers Association offers a helpful tool to find registered beekeepers who can safely remove and relocate honey bee swarms. Check it out here: Ohio State Beekeepers Swarm Removal.
Bumble Bee
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Look for: Large, round, very fuzzy bodies with black and yellow coloring.
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Behavior: Also pollinators, generally non-aggressive.
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Nesting: Underground or in thick grasses.
Carpenter Bee
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Look for: Similar in size to bumble bees but with shiny, black, hairless abdomens.
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Behavior: Males hover and “guard,” but don’t sting. Females can sting but rarely do.
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Nesting: Drill holes into wood—often mistaken for structural pests.
Wasps & Hornets (Not Bees!)
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Look for: Smooth, shiny bodies (yellowjackets, paper wasps, hornets), more narrow waists.
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Behavior: Can be aggressive, especially when nests are disturbed.
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Nesting: Papery nests under eaves, in attics, or underground.
Not Sure What’s Buzzing Around Your Home?
Snap a photo and give us a call! Our team can help identify the insect and recommend the safest solution—whether that’s removal, relocation, or treatment. Or check out our Pest Library to see what type of stinging pest is bothering you.
At EcoPro, we believe in pest control that protects your home and the planet. Let’s keep the good bugs buzzing and the bad ones at bay.