Waspish behaviour

Gorging on ripe fruit and late summer picnics wasps and hornet can be unwelcome visitors with a sting in their tail.

Why are wasps important in our gardens?

They are important for our garden ecosystem, helping with pollination and pest control. Understanding their behaviour and taking precautions can help us coexist peacefully with them. Earlier in the season they are the gardeners friend. Worker wasps predate on caterpillars and aphids to feed their grubs. In late summer the grubs have matured and need less protein! The adults are drawn to sugary substances, ripe fruit and jam sandwiches.

When wasps become a nuisance

Wasps and hornets can be aggressive if they feel threatened or their nests are disturbed. Nests should be removed safely by professional pest control if they pose a risk to people. 

Is it a wasp or a hornet?

There are seven species of social wasp in the UK, commonly seen in and around our gardens. Common Wasps have slender yellow and black striped bodies about 15mm long with a distinctive waist where the thorax and abdomen meet.  Upto 3.5 cm long the European hornet looks fearsome but is generally less aggressive than its cousins. They build nests in various locations, including attics, wall cavities, roof spaces, trees and even underground. 

How to report Asian Hornet sightings 

One to report if you should see one is the Asian Hornet. Asian hornets are an invasive species, with a dark brown body, yellow legs, and a distinctive orange face. They prey on honeybees and other pollinators, posing a threat to bee colonies.  

To report a sighting of an Asian hornet in the UK, the best method is to use the free "Asian Hornet Watch" app  or the online reporting form. You can also email alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk with a photo if possible