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Key Differences Between Wasps and Bees

Friday, January 20, 2017

Wasps and bees removal is a primary service offered by Pest Control Berkshire. If you ever have problems with either on your property, one call to our office is all it takes to dispatch an expert technician capable of nest removal and relocation. We prefer relocation as a better method to help preserve bee and wasp populations in the UK.

Did you know that bees and wasps are different? They are, even within the common species found here in the UK. Below are some interesting differences between the two that you may not be aware of.

Wasp Species in the UK

There are two main species of wasps commonly found in the UK: the common wasp and the German wasp. Both are capable of inflicting painful stings. Both are also easily recognisable by their yellow and black bodies and their long, thin shape. The average worker can grow to be anywhere between 12 and 17 mm. Fortunately, wasps do not swarm.

Here are some key facts about wasps:

  • Mating takes place in early autumn; spring is when queens lay their eggs
  • A wasp colony may consist of as many as 25,000 wasps
  • Female wasps are aggressive stingers that will sting repeatedly
  • The typical nest will die during the winter months, killing both workers and males
  • Usually, only young queens survive the winter months.

Bee Species in the UK

There are four species of bees that we see in this country. The two species seen most often are the honeybee and the solitary bee. Occasionally we also encounter the mason and bumble bees. One of the key differences between bees and wasps is that three of the bee species (the solitary bee is the exception) are more likely to swarm. For us, though, the tendency to swarm does not affect bee or wasp removal.

All four species of bees have a similar size, shape, and colour. All look somewhat furry as well. Colonies of honeybees can reach 30,000 insects, and large swarms are not uncommon. As for the solitary bee, it gets its name from the fact that individual bees tend to live alone, despite having a common nest area.

Where honey, solitary and bumblebees will nest anywhere they can find space, mason bees are so named because they prefer to build their nests in the cracks and holes found in masonry. These bees are most often found in the south, where temperatures are more agreeable.

Call Us for Wasps and Bees Assistance

The variations between bee and wasp species are quite fascinating. What we have described here does not even scratch the surface of what these amazing insects are all about. Nonetheless, we know that our customers do not necessarily look forward to the thought of having bees and wasps on their property.

For fast and effective wasps and bees removal, call Pest Control Berkshire. We are experienced pest removal experts more than capable of safely removing and relocating any bee or wasp nest.

Did you find this article useful/ helpful/ interesting? Perhaps you know someone who would enjoy reading it?
Here's the full link:- https://www.pestcontrolberkshire.com/blog/key-differences-between-wasps-and-bees

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