Wasps and bees behave differently, pose different risks, and aren’t dealt with in the same way. So, if you spot a nest on your property knowing the differences can help you decide what course of action to take and what information to share with the pest controller.
What Do They Look Like?
At a glance, bees and wasps are easy to confuse. There are a range of bee and wasp varieties that are similar in size and colour; they can both sting, and both nest in sheltered spaces. But if you know what to look for you can spot the differences.
Wasps have slender bodies, smooth shiny skin, and a narrow waist. They look more pointed at the end and often appear brighter in colour, with sharp black and yellow markings. They tend to fly in a quick, darting motion and are often drawn to food and sweet drinks.
Bees, on the other hand, are stockier and hairier. Their bodies look rounder and less sharply defined, and their colours are usually more muted, think golden brown or dark fuzzy stripes. Bees also tend to move more slowly and deliberately, often staying near flowers or vegetation.
If you can watch them from a safe distance, you may be able to spot which one you’re dealing with.
Where Do They Nest?
Nest location can offer more clues. Wasps often build their nests in sheltered, elevated spots. This includes lofts, roof spaces, under eaves, inside garden sheds, or in trees. Their nests are usually made from chewed wood pulp, giving them a grey, papery appearance. A typical nest starts small but can grow to the size of a football by late summer.
Bees prefer less exposed spots. Bumblebees might settle under decking, in compost bins, or in unused bird boxes. Honeybees can create colonies inside chimneys, wall cavities, or old tree trunks. Their nests often contain wax, and you might spot bees flying in and out of a small entry hole over a long period of time.
If you see a lot of consistent activity in one area but no visible structure, you could be looking at a hidden bee colony rather than an exposed wasp nest.
The excess honey leaking from honeybee nests can also cause real damage to a property.
How Do They Behave?
Behaviour is another key difference. Wasps are more aggressive, especially in late summer when food sources dwindle. They’re more likely to hover near bins, sugary drinks, or food left outside, and they may sting if they feel threatened.
Bees, by contrast, are usually more docile. Most won’t sting unless provoked or directly disturbed. They tend to keep to themselves, focusing on pollination or nest building, and aren’t generally interested in human activity.
Despite this difference in temperament attempting to destroy a nest yourself can provoke an attack from either insect.
Who Should You Contact?
If you suspect a wasp nest is forming, especially in a place that poses a risk to people, it’s best to arrange professional wasp removal as soon as possible. Trained pest control teams can safely remove the nest using the proper equipment, treat the area, and advise on prevention.
Bees are important pollinators and if you believe you have a bee nest, you can contact a bee control specialist or a pest control company to see if ethical relocation is possible. In many areas, local beekeeping associations can also assist with advice on honeybee swarms or colonies in buildings.
Some pest control companies offer both services, and the technician will assess the situation before taking any action. But in every case avoid using DIY sprays or blocking entry holes without knowing exactly what you’re dealing with or how large the problem is.
Final Thoughts
Wasp nests and bee colonies might look similar from a distance, but they’re not the same — and may require a different approach.
The safest thing you can do is observe from a distance and call in someone with the right knowledge. Whether it’s urgent wasp removal or specialist bee control, a professional pest controller will assess the situation, identify the species, and take the right steps to protect you and your property.
