RESOURCES

Know the Difference

Not all buzzing insects are honey bees! Learn how to tell the difference between honey bees, bumblebees, wasps, and yellow jackets. This page will help you identify each species, understand their role in nature, and know how to respond when you see them around your home or yard.

Honey Bees

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are essential pollinators that play a vital role in our food system and the health of ecosystems. They live in large, well-organized colonies that can include tens of thousands of bees, including a queen, worker bees, and drones. These bees are usually golden-brown with black stripes and a fuzzy body that helps them collect pollen.



Honey bees gather nectar and pollen from flowers, turning the nectar into honey and using the pollen to feed their young. They are not aggressive by nature and will typically only sting if they are provoked or if their hive is in danger. A honey bee can sting only once—after stinging, it dies because its stinger gets stuck in the skin. If you see a honey bee in your yard or garden, it’s best to stay calm. It’s likely just doing its job pollinating plants and flowers. Because of their gentle nature and their importance to agriculture and the environment, honey bees should be protected and not harmed.

A close up of a honey bee on a flower
A close up of a group of honey bees on a honeycomb.

Have a Swarm?

Do you have a cluster of bees hanging out on your tree, fence, or porch? DON'T PANIC. This is a natural part of how honey bees grow their colonies.


Click below to learn what to do and how we can help safely relocate the swarm.

A large bee swarm is hanging from a tree branch.

Club Corner

Looking to connect with local beekeeping groups and contacts across Ohio? Whether you're looking for guidance, mentorship, or community, this is a great place to start.