Wasp, hornet or bee? How to tell before you call
Before treating anything, it is worth knowing what you are looking at, because the answer changes what should happen. Wasps are treated; bees are protected and should not be. Here is how to tell them apart.
Wasps are bright yellow and black, smooth and slender with a narrow waist, and turn aggressive around food and bins in late summer. Bees are fuzzier and rounder: bumblebees are large and hairy, honeybees smaller and golden-brown, and both are generally docile and beneficial. True hornets are rare in Ireland. Crucially, bees are protected and should not be treated; if you have a honeybee swarm, call a beekeeper, not pest control. If in doubt, a photo lets a technician identify it for you.
Wasps
Wasps have a smooth, shiny body with sharp yellow-and-black bands and a distinct narrow waist. They build papery grey nests in roofs, eaves, sheds and cavities, and become noticeably aggressive in late summer around food, drink and bins. Wasps are the insects professional treatment is aimed at.
Bees and why they are protected
Bees look and behave differently. Bumblebees are large, round and very hairy; honeybees are smaller, golden-brown and often seen in numbers around a swarm. Both are docile unless provoked and are vital pollinators, so they are protected and should not be treated with insecticide. A honeybee swarm is a job for a local beekeeper, who can collect and rehome it. Elis will always point you to the right course rather than treat bees.
Hornets and the Asian hornet
True hornets are rare in Ireland, so most 'hornets' people report are large wasps. The one to watch for is the Asian hornet, an invasive species that threatens honeybees; sightings should be reported to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. If you think you have seen one, take a photo from a safe distance and report it.
Quick comparison
| Wasp | Bumblebee / honeybee | |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Smooth, slender, narrow waist | Fuzzy, rounder |
| Colour | Bright yellow & black | Duller; honeybee golden-brown |
| Behaviour | Aggressive near food (late summer) | Docile, focused on flowers |
| Action | Treat the nest | Protect; call a beekeeper for swarms |
Still not sure?
Do not risk getting close. Take a photo from a safe distance and send it to Elis, or book a survey and a technician will identify it and advise. If it is a wasp nest, see wasp nest removal.
Frequently asked questions
-
How do I know if it's a wasp or a bee?
Wasps are smooth, slender and brightly yellow-and-black with a narrow waist, and get aggressive near food in late summer. Bees are fuzzier and rounder, duller or golden-brown, and generally docile. If unsure, a photo from a safe distance lets a technician identify it. -
Will you remove a bee's nest?
Bees are protected pollinators and should not be treated. For a honeybee swarm we will direct you to a local beekeeper who can collect and rehome it. Pest treatment is for wasps, not bees. -
Are there hornets in Ireland?
True hornets are rare, so most reported 'hornets' are large wasps. The Asian hornet is an invasive species of concern. If you think you have seen one, photograph it from a safe distance and report it to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
Get a pest problem solved properly
Elis Pest Control provides commercial and domestic pest control across Dublin and Ireland, with trained technicians and treatments that deal with the problem at source.
Book a survey and we will assess the situation and recommend the right treatment.
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