Wasp Stings – What to Do If You’re Stung by a Wasp
Professional Flea Control in Lancashire
How to Identify Different Types of
Wasps and Bees in the UK
Wasps and bees are often lumped into the same category, especially when they’re buzzing around our gardens or building nests in inconvenient places. While they might look similar at a glance, wasps and bees differ significantly in appearance, behaviour, and ecological role. Some are vital pollinators that should be protected, while others pose more of a nuisance — or even a danger — if they nest near your home or workplace.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand the most common types of wasps and bees found in the UK, how to spot the difference, and when it’s time to call in professional pest control.
Common Types of Wasps in the UK
Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
These are the classic wasps that most people in the UK will have encountered at some point — bright yellow with bold black stripes, a narrow waist, and a tendency to become aggressive when disturbed. Common wasps are social insects that live in large colonies, often in roof spaces, lofts, wall cavities, sheds, and even underground burrows.
You’ll typically notice them more in late summer when they become increasingly attracted to sweet food and drink. Their sting is painful and they can sting multiple times, which makes them a significant nuisance, especially around children, pets, and anyone with allergies.
German Wasp (Vespula germanica)
Slightly more aggressive than the common wasp, the German wasp looks very similar at first glance. However, it can be distinguished by three small black dots on its face. Like their common cousins, they build large nests and can become problematic during the warmer months.
German wasps are highly active scavengers, often seen around bins, picnic areas, and food outlets. Because of their behaviour and size of nests, they can pose a significant threat when they decide to settle near homes or businesses.
Hornets (Vespa crabro)
Hornets are the largest member of the wasp family found in the UK. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are actually less aggressive than common wasps, especially when left undisturbed. European hornets are brown and yellow rather than black and yellow and produce a deep, loud buzz.
While they’re not as common, they can still build nests in trees, sheds, and occasionally wall cavities. Their sting is more painful due to the amount of venom, but they are less likely to sting unless provoked.
Note: Be wary of the Asian hornet, an invasive species that has been spotted in parts of the UK. It’s smaller than the European hornet, but poses a serious risk to native bees.
Paper Wasps (Polistes spp.)
Paper wasps are less commonly found in the UK than other species, but they may be encountered during particularly warm summers. They are more slender than common wasps, with long legs that dangle in flight. Paper wasps build small, umbrella-shaped nests out of papery material, usually under eaves, in sheds, or in other sheltered areas.
They tend to be less aggressive than common or German wasps, but will still sting if they feel threatened.
Common Types of Bees in the UK
Honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Honeybees are small, golden-brown insects that live in large colonies and are crucial for pollinating many of the plants we rely on for food. They’re best known for producing honey and wax, and for their structured, highly organised hives.
While honeybees can sting, they typically do so only in defence and die afterwards. Swarms may occur in spring when colonies reproduce and a queen bee leaves to start a new hive. Although swarming looks intimidating, it’s usually harmless — but the swarm should still be handled by a professional beekeeper or trained pest control expert.
Important: Honeybees are protected, and we never recommend destroying their nests.
Bumblebee (Bombus spp.)
Recognisable by their round, furry appearance and loud buzzing, bumblebees are gentle giants of the bee world. They are social, but live in much smaller colonies than honeybees, often in compost heaps, abandoned rodent holes, or beneath sheds and decking.
Bumblebees are excellent pollinators and pose little threat to humans. They can sting but very rarely do unless provoked. In most cases, bumblebee nests can be left undisturbed, and they naturally die out by late summer.
Masonry Bee (Osmia spp.)
These solitary bees often nest in small holes in brickwork, crumbling mortar, or wooden structures. Although they can appear in large numbers, each bee works independently, and they don’t live in colonies or swarm like honeybees.
Masonry bees are non-aggressive and very unlikely to sting. However, their burrowing behaviour can sometimes cause concern for property owners. While they rarely cause structural damage, repeated nesting can lead to minor wear and may need assessment.
Carpenter Bee
Rare in the UK but occasionally spotted, carpenter bees bore into untreated wood to create nesting chambers for their young. They’re large, dark, and solitary bees that resemble bumblebees but with shiny abdomens.
While their presence is minimal in most regions, their nesting habits can damage wooden fences, cladding, or sheds over time.
Professional Help from Wallace Pest Control
If you've identified a wasp or bee problem in your home or are unsure about the signs, Wallace Pest Control is here to help. Our expert team can assess your home, identify the source of the problem, and provide safe and effective treatment.
Contact Wallace Pest Control today for a professional inspection and peace of mind.