The UK is home to thousands of species of wasp. All of which have different living habits, cycles and temperaments.
So with wasp season on the horizon why not brush up on the types of wasps you could be seeing out and about this year?
What’s the difference between male and female wasps?
Starting with the basics, a wasp nest consists of both male and female wasps. However there are key differences between the two that are worth noting.
Male wasps are smaller in size but generally longer than female wasps. In order to carry eggs, female wasps are larger but more compact. The Queen is easier to identify because she’s bigger than both.
Typically, male wasps won’t sting you. This is because female wasps keep their venom in their ovipositor which is also their sex organ.
What’s the most common wasp found in the UK?
Wasps come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but you’re likely most familiar with the yellowjacket or Vespula vulgaris. This stripy species is the most common wasp seen in the UK.
How many wasp species are there in the UK?
There’s 9,000 different species of wasp in the UK alone, and only around 7-9 of these species live sociably, in nests and colonies.
Social wasps actually only represent 1% of all wasp species globally, so the risk of housing a wasp colony is lower than you may think.
Wasp species vary greatly in their characteristics: some make honey, some can’t sting, some are even so small they can only be seen with a microscope.
Other common species found in the UK
Common / German wasp (Vespula vulgaris / germanica)
The Vespula vulgaris (common wasp) and the Vespula germanica (German wasp) are the two most common wasps you’ll find in your garden or buzzing around something sweet in the summer.
They are practically identical, but the Vespula germanica is known as the more aggressive of the two. Both species build their nests around Queens who produce 6,000 – 10,000 workers.
Red wasp (Vespula rufa)
Given their name, it’s no surprise that this species has red colouring on their abdomens. These wasps are quite elusive and tend to stay out of the way of humans.
A single red wasp Queen will usually produce 300 workers. Their nests are smaller and always underground. Red wasp colonies also have a shorter cycle than the Vespula vulgaris and the Vespula germanica, only lasting until late August.
Dolichovespula species
In the UK, there are three species of Dolichovespula, with the most common being the Dolichovespula media. They are easier to identify from the Vespula species due to their size.
They’re bigger, with black abdomens, and only appear in early mid-summer. Their Queens leave the nest in early August and after this point the colony decreases in activity, gradually winding down.
European hornet (Vespa crabro)
Although they may look similar to the Vespula vulgaris and the Vespula germanica, the European hornet is less likely to bother you. Despite it being nearly twice the size of other social wasps, it’s quite a docile species.
These hornets also live in smaller colonies, typically set up in tree cavities. They have a single Queen and usually about 100 workers.
Can you remove a wasps nest yourself?
Regardless of the species, it’s best to call a professional when you need wasps nest removal. Wasps sting when they’re feeling protective or agitated, usually by human activity interfering with the colony.
Busy nests can contain thousands of wasps. If you live in the UK and have a wasp infestation it’s likely the Common / German wasp which can be temperamental, so DIY removal isn’t worth the risk. Especially if you don’t have the right gear.
Final thoughts
When you think of wasps, the image of a black and yellow bug ready to sting comes to mind, but actually wasps vary greatly from species to species.
While some prefer high up nests, others live underground. And although you’re likely to have a run in with a bolder species of wasp at your summer picnics, most wasps prefer to keep to themselves.
But when your home becomes a site for a wasp nest it’s best to call a professional, no matter the species.