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Wasp, Bee and Hornet Identification Help
Is it a Bee, a Wasp or a Hornet? Here's How to Tell!
Bees and wasps are common throughout the UK, and hornets are in some parts of the country, but do you know your honey bee from your bumble bee? Are you aware that there are around 270 different types of bees?
Like most people, you probably thought two or three! Bees and wasps are harmless and will only sting if aggravated. However, they can be a nuisance if they nest on your property. The following should help you distinguish the different types of bees, wasps and hornets.
Contact Wallace Pest Control
If you have a wasp or bee nest that you need urgent help with, please contact us using the form below or call us on 07496 680879, and our experienced, friendly team will offer advice and provide an effective solution.
Don't let bees and wasps take over your space of comfort. Instead, contact a professional pest control service today to eliminate the problem.
Honey Bee
Honeybees are social insects that live in large colonies or hives, which can contain tens of thousands of individual bees. The honey bee is an important creature in many ways. These slender, black and gold or amber creatures are the ones you see hard at work, collecting the nectar to take back to their hive and nest and make honey.
They are responsible for pollinating not just flowers but crops, too, so we humans owe honey bees a great debt! However, if you see a swarm – they do live in large colonies – you must contact professionals who have experience in live bee removal and will find them a more suitable home.
Bumblebee
A garden favourite, the bumblebee is the large fluffy creature you see going from flower to flower, the familiar buzzing sound accompanying it. They are entirely harmless if left to get on with their job – again, pollinating our crops – and live in small colonies in the ground or old bird's nests.
They are known for their fuzzy appearance and ability to fly in cooler temperatures than many other types of bees.
If you have bumble bees on your property, the best advice is to leave them alone, as they will die out over the winter. Otherwise, find a pest control expert who is adept at bumblebee rehoming.
Mason Bees
Common throughout the UK and often found living in walls – hence the name – mason bees are similar in appearance to honey bees but do not form large colonies. They often live in solitary.
Mason bees get their name by building their separate nesting cells out of mud or other materials. They frequently work in agricultural settings to enhance the pollination services offered by honey bees since they are significant pollinators of fruit trees, berries, and other crops.
Mason bees rarely sting, and once they have spent time doing their bit for nature, they will usually move on in the spring. Once again, if you have a problem, don't hesitate to contact a professional for help.
Wasp
The wasp is the perennial menace of the garden! The familiar, slim black and yellow insect is instantly recognisable. However, be aware that, like bees, it will only sting if aggravated.
While wasps can be a nuisance and a potential danger to humans, they also play an important ecological role as predators and pollinators.
However, like the bumble bee, it can sting repeatedly. So if you have children and see the familiar 'paper' nest, you need to call in a professional. We offer guaranteed wasp nest removal, and please, never attempt it on your own as it can be very dangerous.
Hornet and Asian Hornet
Our resident hornet looks much like a larger wasp, which is the best description. More aggressive than all the above, these nests should only be removed professionally. The bigger problem comes with the Asian Hornet, which is becoming more established in the UK.
They are larger and more aggressive than most other types of wasps. Their stings can be painful and potentially dangerous, especially to individuals allergic to insect venom.
If you see a darker-coloured wasp-looking insect that may be as long as an inch, you must get the professionals out to remove or destroy them. Asian hornets eat honey bees. We must do all we can to keep their presence under control in the UK.
Wallace Pest Control
We hope our brief identification guide has helped you. As a final reminder, please leave bees and wasps to get on with their job if possible. If you find a nest, however, call us today and don't put yourself at risk.