Honey Bee Swarms

The friendly bee we see throughout the spring and summer foraging on all types of flowers and weeds. Notice the banding on the abdomen which can vary in shade from orange to grey. In the spring and early summer these will form into large swarm clusters, usually on tree branches. These are the ones we are able to safely capture and remove

Bumble bees come in many color combinations, this one is black, yellow and orange. Also common are black ones with yellow markings. Larger than a Honey bee and furry looking, docile behavior unless the nest is disturbed

This is the common Yellowjacket which is prolific in the Pacific NW. While being a beneficial insect it voraciously attacks Honey bee colonies and is a nuisance for people. Usually ground-nesting but can make papery-grey nests in bushes and trees. Highest numbers seen in late summer

Longer than a Yellowjacket and has a very narrow midsection. Seen in the same areas as Honey bees and Yellowjackets but generally not aggressive. Typically makes the small grey papery nests seen under the eaves on houses

Looks like a fly combined with a Honey bee. Solitary dwellers, wonderful native pollinators and non-aggressive. Makes small mud filled nests in all manner of small holes and odd places like window frame drain holes

Similar to a Yellowjacket but larger with white markings on its face and abdomen. Builds large papery-grey nests in bushes, shrubbery and trees which they will defend vigorously. Best to keep your distance from these guys