Wasps, Bees, Hornets: How to Tell the Difference

Have you spotted a nest in your home and you’re not sure what’s living in it? Or perhaps you’ve seen some yellow and black pests buzzing around but you’re not sure if you’re dealing with wasps, hornets, or just bees? It can be stressful not knowing if you’re at risk of a nasty sting, so this guide will help you identify what pest you’re dealing with.

Appearance: Bees vs Wasps vs Hornets

Bees

Bees are fuzzy with black and yellow stripes. They are rounder than the others, and are usually hovering around flowers. In the UK, there are over 250 bee species including the honey bee, bumblebee, and stingless bee.

They’re usually completely harmless, even when in a large swarm, so it’s best to just leave them alone.

Wasps

Wasps aren’t fuzzy like bees, but do have black and yellow stripes. The stinger is much more prominent on a wasp and they don’t pollinate, so you won’t see them buzzing around flowers.

Hornets

Hornets are actually a type of wasp but are easy to spot because of their size. Hornets are much larger than bees or regular wasps, and have a rounded yellow segment of the abdomen just below the waist.

Nests: Bees vs Wasps vs Hornets

As well as looking different, these three insects have very different nests which can help you distinguish between them.

Bees’ nests

Bees nest in hollow spaces, usually in tree hollows but also in bricks or holes in walls. The nests will be near flowers so they have quick access to food. Honey bee hives have a distinguished honeycomb appearance and will likely have honey in them.

Wasps’ nests

Wasp nests are more likely to be found in attics, wall cavities, or even on a corner of a house. They are grey and paper-like, usually rounder and hanging. They don’t need to be close to flowers so these are more likely to be inside your home.

Hornets’ nests

Hornets prefer to nest in trunks of trees, but you might find them inside a shed or your attic. The nests do look like normal wasps nests but are usually much larger. Although it can be hard to distinguish between the nests, it’s easy to spot if a hornet comes out of a nest.

Need a professional exterminator?

If you’ve found a nest in your home and you’re not sure if it’s bees, wasps, or the dreaded hornets, we can help. We’ll come to your property, identify the pest, and give you our expert advice on how we can remove it. If it’s bees, we may be able to relocate the nest for you, and if it’s wasps or hornets, we can exterminate them safely and effectively.