Common Wasps, Bees and Hornets in Bexley

Many people are unsure whether they are seeing a wasp, bee, hornet or hoverfly. Here are some of the most common insects you may see in Bexley, London and Kent, along with a few simple ways to tell them apart.

Not every striped flying insect is a wasp. Some are harmless pollinators, and some are important parts of the local environment. If you are unsure what you have found, it is always best not to disturb it.

Wasps and Hornets

Common wasp

The common wasp is one of the insects people most often notice in late summer. It has the familiar bright yellow and black markings and is often seen around bins, sugary drinks, food and roof spaces.

Common wasps build social nests that can become large later in the season. If a nest is close to a house, shed, loft or wall cavity, they can become a nuisance and may sting if threatened.

German wasp

Very similar to the common wasp, the German wasp is another common social wasp found around homes and gardens. It can nest in wall cavities, lofts, sheds, roof spaces and even underground.

Many people cannot easily tell the difference between the common wasp and German wasp, but both can cause problems if nesting close to people.

Tree wasp

The tree wasp is another social wasp regularly seen in the South East. It often nests in shrubs, hedges, sheds, bird boxes and sheltered outdoor places.

Although less well known than the common wasp, it is still a species people may encounter in gardens or around buildings.

European hornet

The European hornet is the UK’s native hornet. It is much larger than a common wasp and makes a deeper, louder buzzing sound in flight.

Although its size can look alarming, it is often less aggressive than people expect unless its nest is disturbed.

Bees

Honeybee

Honeybees are usually slimmer and less furry than bumblebees. They are important pollinators and are often seen visiting flowers, blossom and garden plants.

Unlike wasps, honeybees are generally less interested in people’s food and drink.

Buff-tailed bumblebee

The buff-tailed bumblebee is one of the commonest bumblebees in southern England. It is large, furry and often active very early in the year.

Bumblebees are important pollinators and are usually much less aggressive than wasps.

Red-tailed bumblebee

The red-tailed bumblebee is easy to recognise because of its black body and bright red tail. It is commonly seen in gardens and green spaces.

It is an important pollinator and is usually best left undisturbed.

Tree bumblebee

The tree bumblebee is now very common in towns and suburbs. It often nests in roof spaces, bird boxes, wall cavities and other sheltered holes above ground.

Because it sometimes nests close to homes, people often worry when they see them flying in and out of a gap near the roofline.

Mason bee

Mason bees are solitary bees that often use holes in walls, hollow stems, bee hotels or small cavities for nesting. They are common in gardens and are very useful pollinators.

They do not form large aggressive colonies like wasps and are generally harmless.

Mining bee

Mining bees are solitary ground-nesting bees often seen in lawns, bare soil, flowerbeds and borders, especially in spring. They can sometimes appear in numbers, which worries householders, but they are usually harmless.

They do not build large nests like wasps and are not normally aggressive. In many cases they disappear naturally after a short period.

Often Mistaken for Wasps

Hoverfly

Hoverflies are often mistaken for wasps because many have yellow and black colouring. However, they are flies, not wasps, and they do not sting.

They are harmless and useful insects that help with pollination.

How to Tell the Difference

Wasps are usually smoother, shinier and more sharply yellow and black
Bumblebees are rounder, hairier and often look softer or fluffier
Honeybees are slimmer than bumblebees and less bright yellow than wasps
Hornets are much larger than common wasps
Hoverflies often look like wasps but cannot sting

Not Sure What You’ve Found?

If you are unsure whether you have a wasp nest, hornets around your property, or harmless bee activity, do not disturb the area.

Call John on 07982427788 for friendly local advice, or use the Contact Us page to get in touch.