What do they look like?
Bees can be anywhere from 3.9cm to 9mm in length. They range in color from the standard black and yellow to brownish red and even blue stripes in some parts of the world. It has been recorded that there are 20,000 different bee species.

Behavior & Habits:
The most common bees are the bumblebee and honey bee. A bee colony has three types of bees: the queen bee, infertile female worker bees and male drones. All of them are hairy and use that hair to help collect pollen. Bees have a purpose when it comes to pollination and the environment. In fact, there is no other insect as important as the bee for this task. Bees also possess an organ that converts nectar into honey, which is collected inside of the hives.

I bet you didn’t know this:
Male bees sole purpose of life is to fertilize the queen. Directly after that happens, he dies. The female worker bees perform a lot of different tasks necessary for the survival of the hive. Because of their constant laboring, these worker bees average lifespan is usually no longer than 6 weeks, where the queen bee can live anywhere from 2 to 5 years.

Do-it-Yourself Ineffectiveness:
Although bees are useful for the environment and make yummy honey that we enjoy in our tea, bees pose a serious health concern for those who are allergic. And in most cases, it takes getting stung to know that you are allergic. In severe cases, this allergic reaction can cause one’s throat to completely swell and block the airway. If you suspect a bee or other stinging pests infestation or have seen a nest in and around your home, contact our office and we’ll have one of our professionals come by and check it out.

Some wasps are aggressive species and can sting when threatened. Unlike honey bees, wasps often are capable of stinging multiple times. Eaves, soffits, and gutters on home exteriors are popular wasp nesting spots. Flowers and plant life attract them to yards, as do patios and other outdoor eating areas with crumbs or sticky soda spills that are not cleaned up. Garbage cans that are not properly covered and regularly emptied also attract wasps that are seeking sources of food. Properties with abundant insects and spiders provide ample prey for both developing and mature wasps. Contrary to popular, but inaccurate beliefs, nests left behind by wasp populations that die during the cold weather months are generally not reused by subsequent generations of wasps.

Some wasps are predatory, while others are parasitic. Predatory wasps kill and consume other insects as well as other animals which they often feed to their larvae. Parasitic wasps typically lay their eggs in the bodies of living creatures like caterpillars or spiders. The larvae feed on the still-living host. Wasps can assist in the management of other pests, particularly in agriculture as biological control agents. Many wasps also feed on nectar from flowers and therefore function as pollinators.

Scorpions can become an issue for homeowners in Puerto Rico, especially in rural areas. Although their stings are mostly non-poisonous and on par with bee stings, scorpions are definitely more intimidating and they like to hide in dark places like crawlspaces. It’s a good idea to always check shoes and bags for scorpions before putting your feet or hands in them.