Difference between Wasps and Bees
In the UK during early summer and spring time, there can be a lot of mistaken identity when it comes to wasps and bees. If you are seeing a swarm of wasps, and think you need wasp pest control, it is far more likely that you have a swarm of bees. Wasps never swarm, but when a bee hive becomes crowded new queen bees will leave the hive to set up a new hive elsewhere. She will take a swarm of worker honey bees with her, and this is the swarm you will see.
Please leave them. Some people spray them with water, or try to hurt them. They are simply looking for a new home and if you leave them alone should cause you no harm. Often the bees leave as quickly as they arrived. However, if you are concerned the best option is to find a local bee keeper who may be able to come and collect the swarm. This service is free.
A large number of insects flying in and out of brickwork between March and May in the UK, usually indicates a bees nest rather than a wasps nest. A wasps nest is usually too small in early spring to have this many insects flying to and fro. A good pest control service will be able to help you identify if it is a bee or wasps nest, and guide you from there. Bee pest control is regulated, and live removal of a bees nest is usually the correct approach.
Mortar Bees and Bumble Bees
If you see bees flying into individual holes in brickwork, this is more likely to be mortar bees. They are non-aggressive so unlikely to sting you. As solitary bees, they will fly in and out of individual holes rather than one exit and entry point.
Bumble bees are the fat ‘fluffy’ bees. They live in small family groups during spring and summer while they raise their young. Bumble bees will often nest in brickwork, and again are non-aggressive and very placid. Once the summer is finished, they will return to the fields and back into nature, taking their offspring with them. If you prefer not to have bumble bees returning another year, then block off the entry hole once they have left. Please never block bumble bees in. It is cruel, unnecessary and can result in all the bumble bees exiting their nest into your house.
Wasps
Wasps are generally most active from June onwards in the UK, until early Autumn. This is when bee activity is less noticeable. If you see insects flying in and out of brickwork or similar at this time of year, then there’s a high chance it is wasps. You may require wasp pest control services, essentially wasp extermination. A good wasp pest control service will be guaranteed, which means if you notice wasps in the same nest after 7 days the pest control provider will retreat free of charge. A good wasp pest control service will also be with you at short notice, urgent wasp pest control services usually have same day wasp pest control appointments.
