What is the difference? Call Best Pest Control on 1800 013 911 or request a FREE pest control quote .
Though bees and European wasps are of a similar size and shape, you will easily be able to differentiate between the two by their colours. European Wasps (shown on the right) are bright yellow and black with bright yellow legs. They are predominantly black on their front half, with bright yellow markings and predominantly bright yellow on their back half with black stripes and black dots between the stripes, down each side of the abdomen; (sometimes joining the stripes). European wasps also have longer, thicker antennae than bees. Bees (shown on the left) display a dull shade of yellow or a golden brown colour. They also have black stripes around their body, however bees do not have the black dot characteristics of the European wasp. Unlike the European wasp that has yellow legs, bees have black legs. This is probably the easiest way to differentiate between the two.
European Wasps can nest in various cavities, walls, ceilings and trees to name a few. However the most likely place for a European wasp nest to occur is in the ground. These nests are easily sighted due to the constant European wasp activity above the nest. However the nest holes could be well hidden amongst vegetation. Bees often nest in tree or wall cavities and can nest in compost bins and cavities such as old suitcases. Bees, like European wasps, are not aggressive and will go about their day to day duties unless they feel threatened or are under attack. Try to avoid the flight path of swarming bees and wasps. Both bees and wasps are best left to their own devices. About Bees: Bees are most active during the warmer months of the year, from, early Spring to late Summer. They invade houses in order to establish new colonies and to shelter. Scout bees will fly around a building, looking for entry points. Usually these are holes in the mortar of brick walls, in ventilation holes (weep holes) and under tiles on roofs etc. They do not fly far from a previous colony and it is not unusual to see a swarm of bees settle onto a house in just a few seconds.
This is why bee jobs are considered to be an emergency as many people are allergic to their stings, some severely. They are not naturally aggressive except when defending an established hive. People normally get stung by bees when they step on, lean on or pick them off their clothing. Walking within their flight path can agitate them, as will fast and jerky movements near the hive.
Just about any insecticide will kill bees as they are very susceptible to poisons. Dusts are the best method of eradication in an accessible position such as on a tree branch or under eaves. The best time of the day is either early morning or late afternoon. This is when they remain inactive inside the colony. Dusting in these times does not flush them out and it is rarely necessary to retreat. Treatment during sunny hours will not always destroy the entire colony, although the majority of the colony will die. If you have European wasps or bees nesting on your property, (private or leased), it is your responsibility to have them removed. It is recommended you call a pest control company to exterminate the problem swarm. If you have your own protective clothing the best time to exterminate a nest is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These times will ensure the majority of the colony will be in the nest. WARNING: Treating Bees yourself can be dangerous. Call a Pest Professional to safely treat your Bee problem. Call Best Pest Control on 1800 013 911 or request a FREE pest control quote . About Wasps: The European wasp is native to Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia, but not Australia. Its first recorded sighting in Australia was in 1959. The first nest destroyed in South Australia was in Port Adelaide in 1978. The European wasp is now well established in metropolitan Adelaide and has reached some country areas.
The European wasp, Vespula germancia, is most easily identifiable by its bright yellow body and the triangular markings on the abdomen.
While the European wasp is the same size as the bee (10-15mm) it is less hairy and folds its wings back at rest. Queen European wasps have identical markings and colouring, except are larger and can be up to 20mm. In order for the nest to be destroyed you need to locate the nest.
To find the nest you need to establish the direction the wasps are flying. To do this, place a good food source (i.e. meat or pet food) in a visible location. Once the wasp has collected the food, it will fly in a direct line to the nest.
A wasp may be scavenging for food up to 500m from the nest. Keep relocating the food sources in the direction of the nest. You may need to work cooperatively with your neighbours.
Nests are located where shelter is available. Common locations for nests include retaining walls, tree hollows and wall cavities. Nests are often underground, and will be evident by a stream of wasps entering and leaving a hole in the ground. The nest is made of grey paper mache type material. Nests constructed of mud are not European wasps’ nests.
European wasps are attracted to sweet food and meat. This is why they are commonly a nuisance at outdoor eating venues and barbeques. Do not aggravate European Wasps. If a European wasp is aggravated it may sting. Unlike the bee, a European wasp can sting multiple times. If left undisturbed the European wasp is not aggressive to human or other animals. If a nest is disturbed the wasps release a chemical which triggers the wasps to defend the nest. WARNING: Treating Wasps yourself can be dangerous. Call a Pest Professional to safely treat your Wasp problem. Call Best Pest Control on 1800 013 911 or request a FREE pest control quote .
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