Welcome to the HBREL's Pest Identification Webpage!

This page is meant to serve as a visual identification guide to insects you may see around your hives. Not all of these insects are harmful to honey bees, but may share habitats. Click each picture for more information. Enjoy!

German Cockroach: Sacvenges waste, not harmful to honey bees - Click picture for more information

American Cockroach: Scavenges waste, not harmful to honey bees - Click picture for more information

Dragonflies: Can prey on honey bees, though not common - Click picture for more information

Wheel Bug (Assassin Bug): Solitary, generalist predator, will prey on honey bees - Click picture for more information

Conenose Bug (Kissing Bug): Solitary generalist predator, will prey on honey bees. Also capable of biting humans and transmitting Chagas disease - Click picture for more information

Robber Fly: Solitary generalist predator, will prey on honey bees - Click picture for more information

Bee Killers (Robber Flies): Generalist predators, bee mimics, will prey on honey bees - Click picture for more information

Velvet Ants (Cow Killers): Generalist predators, can prey on honey bees on the ground. Males are generally black with red markings and posess wings. Cow killers get their name from the incredibly painful sting they can inflict. Click picture for more information

Southeastern Field Cricket:Herbivore, not harmful to honey bees - Click picture for more information

American Grasshopper: Herbivore, not harmful to bees - Click picture for more information

Jumping Spider: Generalist predator, will prey on honey bees. This spider often startles beekeepers with its jerky movements and ability to jump. Click picture for more information

Black Widow: Does not actively hunt bees, but will consume bees that get tangled in webs. Highly toxic to humans. Click picture for more information

Brown Widow: More docile than black widows. Will consume bees caught n webs. Fairly common under elevated hives. Nests can be identified by the presence of spiked egg sacs. Click pictures for more information

Earwig: Omnivores, can prey on honey bees, but not common. Click picture for more information