Spotted something buzzing around your home or garden and not sure if it’s a bee or a wasp? You’re definitely not the only one. Across Glasgow, East Kilbride and nearby towns, we get our fair share of flying visitors during spring and summer — from gentle honeybees minding their own business to angry wasps setting up nests in roof spaces and garden sheds.
Telling them apart isn’t just useful — it can help you figure out whether it’s best to leave them alone, call in a local beekeeper, or get the pest control team on the phone before things escalate.
Key Physical Differences Between Bees & Wasps
Body Characteristics
Bees and wasps might both have yellow stripes, but their body shapes give the game away. Bees — particularly honey bees and bumblebees — tend to have bulbous bodies with brown appearances and are often covered in facial hairs and black hair that help them collect pollen. Wasps, on the other hand, have slender bodies and a more pointed waist. You might notice their black and yellow bands are sharper and cleaner than those on bees.
Some wasp species, like Common wasps and paper wasps, have a more vivid black body and a broad head, whereas honeybee colonies are made up of smaller insects with golden brown tones and barbed stingers that usually only sting once.
A useful breakdown of species types and visual differences can be found via the Woodland Trust Website, its a great article with some useful images.
Wing Structure and Movement
Both bees and wasps have pairs of wings, but wasps generally look sleeker in flight, while bees appear more “buzzy” and heavy. Wasps are also quicker and more agile, which is partly why they’re such a nuisance at summer picnics.
Behavioural Differences
Pollination vs. Predator Roles
Honey bees, bumblebees, and other beneficial insects play a crucial role as efficient pollinators, helping fertilise a variety of flowers. In contrast, wasps are aggressive insects and act more as predators, often preying on other pest insects. So, despite their reputation, wasps are actually beneficial in keeping garden pests in check, in small numbers, that is.
Aggressiveness and Stinging Behaviour
Bees are generally passive unless provoked. A bee sting usually occurs when a bee feels directly threatened, and with a barbed stinger, they can only sting once.
Wasps, however, are more territorial and will sting repeatedly. If you’ve been unlucky enough to experience wasp stings, you’ll know how nasty they can be, especially in late summer, when adult wasps become more aggressive and territorial over their food.
This increased aggressiveness is common in late summer and autumn, as explained well in this Countryfile guide to British wasps.
Feeding Preferences
Bees prefer nectar and pollen. Wasps love human food, especially sugary foods and proteins. If you’ve got a garden full of wasps, you can usually blame fizzy drinks or an outdoor barbecue. Their scavenging behaviour makes them far more intrusive in day-to-day life.
Ecological Roles
Importance in Pollination
Bees are the chief pollinators of countless crops and flowers. From bumblebee nests in garden compost to a colony of honey bees in a tree hollow, their work benefits the entire ecosystem.
Role in Pest Control
Wasps may be seen as pests, but they are one of nature’s own pest control services — catching aphids, caterpillars, and other crop-damaging insects. Still, when you have an active wasp nest near your home or workplace, the risks outweigh the benefits.
Nesting Habits
Recognising Bee Nests
Bees usually nest in hollow trees, roof spaces, or wall cavities. Honeybee nests can look like large, waxy masses of hexagonal cells housing thousands of bees. You may also notice bee swarms in spring, when part of a colony of honey bees splits to find a new home. This is when you’ll need a bee hive removal expert, not a can of spray.
Some species, like masonry bees, create individual holes in building structures and building materials, though they’re rarely aggressive or destructive.
Identifying Wasp Nests
A wasp nest can start small but quickly grow in size. Often made from chewed wood and saliva, they have a papery texture and can appear under roof tiles, in sheds, or in wall cavities. Some nests, especially from paper wasps, can look like hanging umbrellas. If you spot one, nesting at night is often safest if you’re trying to get a closer look — or better yet, call us.
Interaction with Humans
Risks and Benefits
Both bees and wasps have their place in the environment. But, around people, a wasp nests pose more of an immediate risk, particularly to those with allergies. Bee stings are less common, and in many cases, people tolerate bees in buildings so long as they’re not causing damage.
Situations Requiring Caution
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with bees, wasps, or even Asian hornets, it’s best to speak to a professional. We often get calls from people unsure what they’re seeing, and trying to remove the insects yourself without knowing the type of insect can be dangerous.
When to Call a Beekeeper (or Pest Controller)
Dealing with Bee Swarms
If you spot a swarm of honey bees in your garden or roof, don’t panic. Most beekeepers will collect them safely if they’re accessible. Be sure to contact a controller for advice or your local council for advice. You can also reach out to groups like the Bumblebee Conservation Trust or refer to guides like the one from Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s bee resources. It’s a great guide with pictures that can help you identify bee types.
Handling Wasps and Their Nests
For wasps, you need a trained pest controller, not a beekeeper. Whether it’s a garden full of wasps or a nest hidden in your roof, we use safe methods (not just insect control spray) to remove the problem and stop them returning. Some conditions of wasp nests make DIY removal very risky, especially when nests are large or difficult to access.
You can find more details about our wasp removal and other services on our Pest Control Services page, or if you’d like fast help, contact us here for a free quote.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between bees and wasps can help you act calmly and appropriately when faced with a buzzing visitor. While bees, particularly the average honey bee, are vital for the planet, species of wasps require a bit more caution, especially when they set up home in yours.
Not sure what you’re dealing with? Give us a ring — we’ll assess the situation and help you decide whether to call a beekeeper, a pest controller, or just leave nature to do its thing.
