As the weather begins to warm up sightings of wasps and bees are becoming more common. And with this bring the arrival of wasps nests starting to form in many inconvenient places. In the UK, wasps and bees are both common insects, but they have several key differences in terms of appearance, behaviour, and role in the ecosystem. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:
1. What they look like
Bees
Typically fuzzy with hairy bodies, which help them collect pollen. Their colouration is usually black and yellow or orange, often with a more rounded shape.
Bumblebees are relatively large compared to other bee species, typically ranging from 12 mm to 25 mm in length, depending on the species. They have a round, somewhat plump, and robust body, which contributes to their “fluffy” appearance.
Whereas Honeybees are medium-sized insects, measuring around 10 mm to 15 mm in length. They have a more slender, elongated body compared to bumblebees, with three main parts: head, thorax, and abdomen. Honeybees have a characteristic golden-yellow and black striped abdomen, with a smooth, more streamlined body compared to the fuzzy bumblebee. While honeybees have some fine hairs on their bodies (helping with pollen collection), they are not as furry as bumblebees. and often get mistaken for wasps.
Wasps
Wasps have slender and smooth bodies, without the fuzz that bees have.
They have a more defined “waist” (narrower between the thorax and abdomen).
Their colouration is usually bright yellow with black stripes, and their bodies are shinier compared to bees.
2. How they behave
- Bees:
- Bees are generally more docile and only sting in self-defence, especially if they feel their hive is threatened.
- They are also crucial for pollination and are mostly herbivores, feeding on nectar and pollen.
- Wasps:
- Wasps can be more aggressive, particularly in late summer or autumn when their food sources become scarcer.
- They can sting multiple times (unlike bees, which usually die after stinging).
- Wasps are predators and scavengers, feeding on other insects, as well as sugary foods (which makes them more likely to be attracted to human food).
3. Their Sting and Venom
- Bees:
- When a bee stings, its stinger gets stuck in the skin, and the bee dies after the sting is released.
- Bee stings are painful but usually don’t pose a significant health risk for most people unless allergic.
- Wasps:
- Wasps can sting multiple times and may be more likely to do so if disturbed.
- Their sting is usually more painful than a bee sting, and wasps can be more aggressive when defending their nests.
4. Their Life Cycle
- Bees:
- Most bees, such as honeybees, are social insects with a queen, worker bees, and drones.
- Honeybees live in hives, and their colonies typically survive through the winter (although the colony may shrink in size and focus on storing honey).
- Wasps:
- Wasps are also social insects, with colonies that have a queen, workers, and drones.
- Wasp colonies usually die off in the winter, with only the fertilized queens surviving in hibernation until the following spring.
5. How they form Nests
Bees
Honeybees create hives, often in hollow trees, walls, or beekeepers’ hives, where they store honey and pollen. Bumblebees nest underground or in sheltered spaces like old bird nests or compost heaps.
Wasps
Wasps build nests from a papery substance they create by chewing wood fibres mixed with saliva. These nests are typically found in sheltered areas like attics, under roof eaves, or in trees. The nests are often visible and can grow quite large in the late summer.
6. Pollination and Their Role in our Ecosystem
- Bees:
- Bees are essential pollinators. They play a crucial role in pollinating flowers, crops, and plants, helping the environment and agriculture.
- Wasps:
- Wasps also help with pollination, but they are primarily known for controlling pest insect populations, as many species feed on other insects and larvae.
So, In summary…
- Bees: Fuzzy, less aggressive, great pollinators, typically live in hives or nests, sting once and die.
- Wasps: Slender, aggressive, can sting multiple times, live in papery nests, and feed on other insects and sugar.
In the UK, both bees and wasps are important to the ecosystem, but they play different roles. If you’re dealing with either in your garden or around your home, it’s good to know how to identify them and handle them carefully. We can offer you a treatment to remove a wasp’s nest, but you’ll need to contact a beekeeper if you have a swarm in your garden. To get rid of Honey Bees your best bet is to contact The British Beekeepers Association to find your local beekeeper.
How can I get rid of wasps?
If you have a wasp infestation around your property, it’s important to act quickly to avoid stings and damage. Here are some steps to safely get rid of wasps:
Identify the Nest
- Locate the Nest: Wasps usually build their nests in sheltered spots, such as under eaves, in lofts, sheds, trees, or even underground. Watch for wasp activity to identify where the nest is located.
- Be Cautious: If you see wasps entering and exiting the same spot, it’s likely the location of their nest. Be careful not to disturb it, as wasps can become aggressive when threatened.
Wasp Nest Powder or Spray
- Wasp Spray: There are specific wasp insecticides available, usually in the form of a spray that you can use directly on the nest. These sprays typically have a long-range application, so you can treat the nest from a safe distance.
- Wasp Nest Powder: Some insecticide powders can be applied at the entrance of the nest. These powders are carried inside by the wasps, which will poison the colony.
- Best Timing: Apply these treatments at night, when the wasps are less active, and ensure you follow the instructions carefully to avoid exposure to the chemicals.
Natural Remedies (Less Effective)
- If you’re looking for a natural approach, here are some remedies to try, though they may be less effective than professional methods:
- Peppermint Oil: Wasps are repelled by peppermint oil. Mix 1 tablespoon of peppermint oil with 2 cups of water and spray it on or around the nest.
- Cucumber: Wasps are said to dislike cucumber, so you can place slices of cucumber near the nest or the areas where you see them frequently. However, this is not always reliable for larger infestations.
Remove things they are attracted to
- Remove Food Sources: Wasps are attracted to sugary foods and drinks, so avoid leaving sweet items (such as fruit or open beverages) exposed in your garden or near the nest.
- Cover Garbage: Keep trash bins tightly sealed, as wasps may be attracted to food scraps.
Seal Entry Points
- Prevent Future Infestations: Once the nest is removed, seal any gaps or cracks around your house where wasps might be entering. This includes sealing vents, windows, and any holes in the walls.
And finally call us to get a professional Pest Control service
- If the nest is large, in a difficult-to-reach place, or if you’re allergic to wasp stings, it’s best to call in a professional pest control service.
- Professional Help: we’re experts in wasp nest removal and have the proper equipment and experience to safely remove wasp nests, especially if the nest is in a high or dangerous location, such as inside a wall or above your roof.
Important Safety Tips:
- Allergies: If you’re allergic to wasp stings, avoid trying to remove the nest yourself and call a professional immediately.
- Multiple Nests: Some properties may have multiple wasp nests. If the infestation is widespread, you may need to treat several nests.
By taking the right steps and being cautious, you can effectively remove a wasp nest and prevent future issues.