Wasps – The difference between Wasps and Bees explained

Wasps and bees may look similar, but there are a few simple differences between them which, once known will allow you to tell one from the other.

• Wasps have bright crisp black and yellow markings.
• Wasps don't have many hairs on their body.
• You would say that they are not hairy/furry.
• Wasps are more aggressive than bees.
• Wasps can sting multiple times.
• Wasps live in colonies numbering up to several thousand with the majority of the colony made up of sterile female workers.

• Bees have are a yellow and brown in colour.
• Their colours blend into each other.
• Bees have quite a few hairs on their body.
• You would say that they are hairy/furry.
• Bees are not usually aggressive.
• Bees can only sting once. Then they die.
• A Bumble Bee is a round furry flying ball, unlike both wasps and bees.

The following 3 images are of wasps.

n.b. At waspdestroyer.co.uk we do not treat bees as they are an endangered species and if left alone will not cause a threat. Please be sure not to mistake a bee infestation for wasps. If we are called out to treat for bees we will have to charge a call-out fee.

The following 3 images are of bees. We do not treat bees' nests.

How to Identify a Wasp

Wasps are a diverse group of insects that belong to the Order Hymenoptera. They range in size from tiny diapriid wasps to spider wasps and cicada-killer wasps, capable of taking large prey. Most wasps have carnivorous larvae that feed on other insects and spiders.

Wasp Identification

• Colour: Yellow, white, black, reddish
• Size: From 13 mm to 40 mm long
• Description: Have no hair on their abdomen, which is connected to their thorax with a thin petiole waist. They have three pairs of legs and two pairs of membranous wings. Their head features mouthparts, sensory organs, compound eyes, and segmented antennae.
• Notes: Different wasp species have distinct markings.

Types of Wasps

The term wasp includes a broad category of flying insects ranging from paper wasps and mud daubers to the highly common yellow jackets and hornets. Here are some common types of wasps:

• Paper wasps: They commonly build nests on tree limbs, building overhangs, and beams and supports in attics of garages, barns, and sheds.
• Yellow jackets: They construct paper nests from chewed wood fibre mixed with saliva. They build their nests in sheltered, hidden locations such as dense bushes or trees, wall voids, attics, or under the eaves of a structure.
• Hornets: They build their nests in trees, shrubs, or on the sides of buildings.

Signs of a Wasp Nest

• Presence of wasps: If you see wasps flying around your property, there may be a nest nearby.
• Chewed wood fibres: If you see chewed wood fibres in a concentrated area, it may be a sign of a wasp nest.
• Paper-like material: Wasps build their nests from a paper-like material made by chewing wood fibres mixed with saliva.

In conclusion, identifying a wasp can be challenging due to the diverse group of insects that belong to the Order Hymenoptera. However, by understanding the common types of wasps and the signs of a wasp nest, you can identify a wasp and take the necessary steps to remove it. If you are not comfortable identifying or removing a wasp nest, seek professional pest control services. Just contact us and we will be able to help.

Wasp activity;

The queens emerge from their old nests in spring and when precisely this happens is dependent upon the weather. Queens will then typically look to build their new nests in sheltered areas with easy access to the outside. Common areas for wasps to build nests are lofts, under tiles, eaves, wall cavities, sheds and outbuildings. Wasps make their nests from chewed wood pulp and saliva giving them a 'paper mache' appearance.

The nest starts off small in the spring (the size of a golf ball) and as summer arises the nest size grows quickly to typically the size of a beach ball but can get much larger. Wasp activity dies off in the autumn but the nest can still be active into October and November.

Signs that you may have a wasps nest;

If you are experiencing high numbers of wasps in the house or garden there will probably be a nest nearby. Typically you will see wasps flying in and out of a hole (especially on warm sunny days) and later in the summer.

Before calling us, if you spot an additional nest, this can be treated at the same time saving you time and money.

If you have any questions, please look at our Frequently Asked Questions page to see if the answer is there. If not, please get in touch.