How to tell the difference between wasps and bees

How many times have you been enjoying the summer sun or a picnic in your garden, only for it to be interrupted by a wasp or bee? These two flying insects are often confused but they both do vastly different tasks and we should be looking to protect our bees rather than swiping them away.

Bees play an important role in pollinating our food crops, with estimates suggesting bees contribute over £650 million to the UK economy each year. That is not to say wasps are not beneficial to helping to pollinate our plants and crops, but they tend to have a worse reputation thanks to their more aggressive behaviour.

Telling the difference

Spotting a bumblebee is easy, with the big, round, and fuzzy insect looking very different to wasps. However, the trouble is when you are trying to tell the difference between honeybees and wasps is far more difficult.

To help you, we have put together a hand guide:

 HoneybeesWasps
Body shapeThin body shape with little hairsThin body shape with no hairs
ColourBlack and amber stripesVivid yellow and black stripes
Flying styleLegs are usually hidden when flyingLegs are visible when flying
StingWill only sting if provoked and will die afterwardsCan be aggressive and capable of stinging multiple times
LocationLives in large colonies in hollow trees or roof spacesLives in large colonies usually in the ground or roof
Can be spottedOn and around flowersTypically around food and drink
How they helpPollinate flowers and crops and make honeyCan eat smaller insects but are typically considered a pest

Have you spotted a nest?

If you have spotted a nest and you are not sure whether it is a bee’s nest or a wasp’s nest, then call our team of pest control experts. Our family-run business is one of the leading providers of wasp nest removal Colchester and we also cover a wide range of local towns and villages.

No matter if you have a commercial property or it is your family home, get in touch today and let’s help you to remove those pests and give you peace of mind.