Bee Identification Chart

Questions to help you know what you see…

Bumble Bees

  • Are they round and very hairy with a yellow/white or orange band on its tail/bottom?
  • Are they like stripy footballs?
  • Do they make a very loud buzzing sound?
  • Are they living in an old bird box, a compost heap, under the decking, a hole in the ground?

ACTION: Leave them alone if possible. Bumblebees are an important pollinator and rarely sting. Bumblebees are under threat of extinction. For more information contact the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust.

Wasps

  • Is it bright yellow with black stripes? Very smooth mainly yellow with black stripes?
  • Is it in the roof of your house? Are they coming from a round nest in a tree?
  • Is there a nest in the shed? Do they have a high pitched buzz?
  • Are they interested in sweet sugary foods?

ACTION: These are Wasps contact your LOCAL Authority.

Hornets

  • Are they very big with a loud buzz?
  • Are they black and brown with a hint of orange?
  • Living in the roof or shed?
  • Do they have a very big curved tail?

ACTION: These are Hornets contact your LOCAL Authority.

Honeybees

  • Does it have golden brown or dark brown bands? Are they slightly furry?
  • Are they formed in a clump hanging from a tree, gate post, chimney?
  • Are there thousands of them swirling around in the air?
  • Are they the same size as a house fly?

ACTION: These are Honeybees. Please fill in our form HERE.  PLEASE NOTE that a call out fee may be charged for visits to property.

We are an association of hobbyist beekeepers who volunteer to offer advice over the telephone for free. Please be considerate regarding when you call. Note that the location of some honeybee swarms may mean that they are not suitable for removal for safety reasons.