Wasp and bee: how it looks and difference, how bites differ, comparison of external signs

Wasps and bees are similar enough that many people confuse these insects. Both those and others sting painfully. In addition, their bites often provoke allergic reactions in people. At the same time, in fact, many differences are characteristic of these insects. They relate to the appearance, behavior, nature of nutrition. The difference also affects the structure of the sting and the characteristics of the bites.

The benefits and harms of bees and wasps

Bees and wasps have significant differences. First of all, they relate to beneficial properties and harm. Of course, bees are considered more valuable to humans.They produce not only honey, but also other valuable substances - in particular, royal jelly and wax. Insects also produce perga and zabrus. These substances have antibacterial properties and help to get rid of pathogens.

Also, medicinal properties are characteristic of bee venom. In addition, dead individuals are often used in medicine. They are used to prepare a special tincture that helps treat joint pathologies and lesions of the urogenital organs.

Bees are very useful for nature. The life of flowering plants and these insects has a close relationship. While extracting nectar, the bees pollinate the flowers, which ensures the production of fruits and seeds. Thanks to this, insects contribute to higher yields.

Bees can harm people only if their hive is in danger. In this case, insects attack the enemy. To prevent this, it is not recommended to approach the bee house without a protective suit.

Most varieties of wasps do not produce honey, but love to eat it. At the same time, many consider them absolutely useless, but this is not true. Wasps are very important to nature. They are considered predators, and therefore help control various pests. They help to destroy aphids, grinders, bears and other parasites. These insects also pollinate plants, although not as actively as bees.

At the same time, wasps bring some harm. They are able to destroy the fruit crop, because they make holes in the fruits to get the juice. In addition, wasps eat rotten food residues, and therefore often live in garbage dumps. This leads to the spread of dangerous infections.

Differences in appearance

Both varieties of insects belong to the order Hymenoptera. Individuals are quite similar, therefore it is far from always possible to distinguish them in appearance at first glance. The bees look bigger. This is due to the presence of thick hairs on the body.

The main difference lies in the color:

1. Bees have a more modest yellow tint and washed out stripes of dark color. They also have dark paws. The body of insects looks rather large, because it is covered with thick hairs. In addition, it has a rounded shape. At the same time, the belt between the parts of the body is practically invisible. The abdomen differs depending on the type of bee. Workers have an ovoid abdomen, queens are oblong, and drones are larger and truncated. On the legs of the bees there are baskets for collecting pollen and nectar.
2. Wasps look more colorful. They have smooth paws, head and belly of bright yellow color. All parts of the body of insects are covered with clear dark stripes. There is a narrow belt between the abdomen and breast. The body of the wasp has an elongated shape. During the examination, strong jaws and thin paws can be seen.

What do they eat

The nature of insect nutrition is also different.Bees feed their larvae with pollen and nectar. Adults eat the same food. At the same time, wasps are considered predators and use protein products to feed the larvae. Most often they use caterpillars or other insects for this purpose. Wasps also feed on fruit and vegetable juice, flower nectar, food waste, and carrion.

The difference in behavior in stressful situations

When comparing wasps and bees, it must be said that the behavior of these insects is determined by different factors. At the same time, it is not difficult to piss them off. Bees always try to protect the hive in which the queen is located. When there is a threat to the house, the bees with the whole family become on its defense.

Wasps act much the same way when attacking their nest.In this case, there is a risk of getting multiple bites. It is believed that wasps can attack people just like that. However, it is not true. These insects sting people only in case of provocation. However, experts advise caution with both bees and wasps.

Sting structure

Both varieties of insects have similar defense tools. At the same time, there are certain differences. If you carefully study the structure, you will notice that wasps are characterized by a smooth sting with small notches at the end. Usually the insect stings once, but can do it again. Bees have a strong serrated sting. At the same time, large teeth are directed upwards.

Bite pattern

The bites of the insects in question are considered equally painful and can cause serious harm to allergy sufferers.The most dangerous consequence is the development of anaphylactic shock. There is evidence that wasps and bees are more likely to sting people who use cosmetics and perfumes. They perceive harsh scents as a threat.

Insects also often attack people who sweat after exercise or have wet skin after a shower. Experts also note that insects attack allergy sufferers more often than people without such a pathology.

Reactions to bee and wasp stings usually coincide. They appear as follows:

• swelling appears - its size depends on the characteristics of the body of a particular person;
• there is a reddening of the poison spread area.

The differences are in the chemical composition of the poison:

1. The venom of wasps is characterized by an alkaline reaction. To neutralize the effect of the substance, the damaged area must be treated with vinegar.
2. Bee venom is acidic. To neutralize it, it is worth treating the affected area with alcohol or soap.

The use of substances to neutralize the poison helps to restore the body's natural balance more quickly.

Attitude towards the uterus

In a bee family, the queen is considered the main individual. Beekeepers often call her queen or queen. All the inhabitants of the hive take care of her, bring her food and water, protect her in case of danger. The uterus is constantly in the hive. At the same time, she flies out only to mate with drones, when it is time for reproduction. Wasps do not show such concern for their uterus. She has to find her own food on her own.

First aid for a bee or wasp sting

Bee and wasp stings are considered very painful. In addition, they can provoke serious allergic reactions. To avoid negative he alth consequences, it is important to provide first aid to the victim. To do this, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Examine the bite area for diagnosis. When a bee stings in the wound, you can see the sting. At the same time, the wasp does not leave him. In no case should you press or scratch the damaged area. This will lead to an accelerated entry of toxic substances into the systemic circulation.
2. Wash the bite site to remove dirt and venom residue.
3. Pull out the stinger. This can be done with a needle, tweezers or pins. However, they must first be disinfected. If such devices were not at hand, you can try to pull out the sting with your nails. However, first you should wash your hands well and treat them.
4. Disinfect the bite site. This can be done with hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green, alcohol, iodine or regular soap.
5. Take an antihistamine. In this case, the wound should be treated with an antihistamine or antiseptic ointment. To do this, you can use "Psilo-balm" or "Fenistil gel". When puffiness appears, it is recommended to drink Tavegil, Suprastin, Claritin.
6. Remove swelling. To do this, it is recommended to drink plenty of water throughout the day. With the help of the liquid, it will be possible to remove toxic substances from the body and improve the general condition. You can also apply a cool compress to the bite area. This will help reduce swelling.

In severe cases, you need to call an ambulance. At the same time, for her arrival, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Apply a tourniquet above the bite area. This will prevent the subsequent spread of toxic substances.
2. If you feel short of breath and feel hot, remove tight clothing, lay down the victim and provide fresh air.
3. In case of severe swelling in the neck area, shortness of breath and fainting, cover the victim and cover with heating pads filled with warm water.
4. If there is no pulse and breathing stops, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

A visit to a doctor is required in the following situations:

• bitten by more than 3 bees or wasps;
• the bite fell on the face area;
• a wasp or a bee stung in the area of the larynx, lip or tongue;
• before this, cases of Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock after an insect bite were recorded;
• nausea and vomiting appeared, there was a convulsive syndrome or fainting after a bite.

Many people are interested in what to do when a child is bitten. If the baby develops shortness of breath, nausea, high fever, heart rhythm disturbance, headache, convulsions, you should immediately consult a doctor. If only local irritation and slight swelling are observed, standard measures of assistance are sufficient. At the same time, it is important to take into account that the children's body is more prone to the development of allergies.

Wasps and bees are considered fairly similar insects. However, they also have many differences. The difference relates to appearance and lifestyle. Differences also affect the structure of the sting, the nature of the bites, and the characteristics of nutrition. In addition, the benefits and harms that these types of insects bring are different.

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