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Bees or wasps?
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2025 8:59 pm
by Chris Allonby
Hello,
Can anyone determine whether the insects shown in the photo are bees or wasps (apologies for the poor resolution of the picture)? Previously, we've had sparrows, blue tits and bees in the bird box. Last year there was nothing. The current occupants look more like wasps, but I'm not certain.
Thanks, Chris.
Edit: here's a close up of the same photo:
Re: Bees or wasps?
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2025 9:39 pm
by Linda257
Look like wasps to me Chris but might be best waiting for others thoughts
Re: Bees or wasps?
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 7:22 am
by scozmos
Definitely looks like Wasps, we have some in a nest box too
Re: Bees or wasps?
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 2:56 pm
by Chris Allonby
Tanks Linda and Scozmos for the opinions. It confirms what I suspected. I'll see how the situation develops. Hopefully they'll abandon the box after a few weeks.
Re: Bees or wasps?
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 6:57 pm
by Jacksparrow
Definitely Wasps I would say. If you decide to let them stay you will have them until the end of September.
Re: Bees or wasps?
Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2025 3:28 pm
by Chris Allonby
They stayed until late August. Nothing in the box thereafter, so hopefully sparrows or blue tits next year.
Re: Bees or wasps?
Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2025 7:13 pm
by Charles B
Chris Allonby wrote: ↑Fri Jun 20, 2025 8:59 pm
Hello,
Can anyone determine whether the insects shown in the photo are bees or wasps (apologies for the poor resolution of the picture)? Previously, we've had sparrows, blue tits and bees in the bird box. Last year there was nothing. The current occupants look more like wasps, but I'm not certain.
Thanks, Chris.
Hi Chris!
Yes they are definately the common wasp!
In the fall, when colonies break up, the 'unemployed' young queens look for new places to live through the winter to build nests in the spring.
So don't allow single, lone wasps to loiter around in September or October!
I had two in my toilet room's passive air shaft tonight and was buzzed away while doing my nature call!
Re: Bees or wasps?
Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2025 12:43 pm
by Chris Allonby
Thanks Charles. Good advice. I have seen the odd wasp around the house in recent days. I'll deal with any more in an appropriate manner - chasing them away in the first instance.
Re: Bees or wasps?
Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:01 pm
by Charles B
Chris Allonby wrote: ↑Sat Sep 20, 2025 12:43 pm
Thanks Charles. Good advice. I have seen the odd wasp around the house in recent days. I'll deal with any more in an appropriate manner - chasing them away in the first instance.
Yes, it's better to eliminate one lone wasp now then to deal with thousands next spring!
Take care!
