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Wasp and Bee Species
There may be hundreds of species of wasps, hornets and bees found around the world. Only a few of these are seen as real pests here in Ireland, and some of them do not sting.
Some species, like the Honey Bee, are actually a valuable part of our ecosystem. If you suspect you have a Honey Bee swarm visit the Irish Bee Keepers Association website, to contact a bee keeper local to you.
Understanding their habits, lifecycle and appearance can help to identify the best form of wasp control for your home or business.
See our list below of common wasp species in Ireland
Common & German Wasp
(Family: Vespidae, e.g. Vespula Vulgaris & Vespula germanica)
These are the two most commonly found wasp species in Ireland and the ones responsible for causing painful wasp stings.
Once indoors, they prefer to build nests in sheltered locations with easy access to the outside, such as lofts, garages and wall cavities. Outside they may nest in old rodent burrows, hollow trees and bushes.
Appearance
- Yellow and black body, marking varies according to species.
- Workers vary in size from 12 – 17mm.
Life cycle and habits of a Common & German Wasp
Key Facts
- Only young Queens survive over winter and emerge in the spring to start nest building and lay eggs.
- Workers (sterile females) emerge during early summer and take over nest building. Queen continues to lay eggs.
- New queens and males mate in early autumn.
- Nest dies during winter, including all the males and workers.
- Wasps do not swarm.
- Food preferences — will take insects and sweet foods.
- Females sting readily and repeatedly.
- A colony may have as many as 25,000 individual wasps.
Honey Bee
(Apis Mellifera)
Honey bees are the species kept by Bee Keepers.
If you have a problem with honey bees, contact a local Bee Keeper or Environmental Health Department as they will be able to arrange for the swarm to be relocated.
Key Facts
- They live in hollow trees or in chimneys, wall cavities or roof spaces.
- They are similar in size to wasps but are furrier and mostly black in colour.
- Honey bees convert nectar into honey and beeswax.
- A honey bee swarm will arrive in flight and cluster on a tree branch.
- A colony size can often be greater than 30,000 individual honey bees.
- Population under threat from varroa mite.
Solitary Bee
(Andrena Fulva)
As their name implies, Solitary bees live alone but nest near each other in villages in suitable nesting sites.
Key Facts
- They look similar to honey bees.
- They prefer to feed on honey and pollen.
- Prefer to tunnel and nest in sandy soil, soft mortar in old houses or use domestic air bricks to nest in.
- Solitary bees do not swarm and are not aggressive.
Mason Bee
(Osmia sp.)
These bees are known as masonry or mortar bees because they like to nest in crevices or holes in masonry. They prefer to stay near walls that receive sunshine for much of the day. Mason bees use naturally occurring holes in bricks or mortar joints (especially mortar with a high lime or sand content).
Key Facts
- Mason bees are harmless; they are not aggressive and will not attack.
- Masonry bees are most common in southern Britain.
- They include the wool-carder bee, the mining bee, the hairy-footed flower-bee, the leafcutter bee and the red mason bee.
Bumble Bee
(Bombus sp.)
Bumble bees are often confused with honey bees.
Key Facts
- They are larger and furrier than honey bees.
- Dark coloured except for golden stripes across the end of their tails.
- The tail colour can vary in UK varieties.
- Bumble bees nest in small wall cavities, holes in the ground, under sheds or in undisturbed compost heaps.
Wasp Species: Frequently Asked Questions
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What kind of wasps are in Ireland?
The most common species found throughout Ireland are the Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the German Wasp (Vespula germanica). Both species are social insects that build large nests in attics, wall cavities, and underground. While they look very similar to the untrained eye, both are known for their bright yellow and black banded abdomens and their potential to become aggressive if their nest is disturbed during the summer months.
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How to tell what kind of wasp it is?
To identify the specific type of wasp, you must look closely at the markings on the face and the abdomen. The Common Wasp typically has an anchor-shaped black mark on its face, while the German Wasp usually has three distinct black dots or a single small black mark. Additionally, you can distinguish wasps from other similar insects, such as honeybees, by their "wasp waist"—a very thin segment between the thorax and abdomen—and their lack of dense hair.
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What is the big wasp-like insect in Ireland?
The large, intimidating insect often mistaken for a "giant wasp" in Ireland is typically the Greater Hornetail (also known as the Giant Woodwasp). Despite its alarming size and the long, needle-like projection at its rear, it is actually a species of sawfly and is completely harmless to humans as it cannot sting. Another large look-alike is the European Hornet; while hornet sightings were historically rare in Ireland, they have become more frequent in recent years, appearing significantly larger and more orange-brown than a standard wasp.
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What does WD-40 do to wasps?
While WD-40 can kill a wasp by coating its body and blocking the spiracles (tiny holes) it uses to breathe, it is not recommended as a method of pest control. Spraying WD-40 is highly flammable, can stain building materials, and most importantly, is likely to provoke a swarm of angry wasps before it takes effect. For a safe and permanent solution, it is vital to use professional-grade insecticides that neutralise the entire nest rather than attempting to kill individual wasps with household chemicals.