Insect Identification Fact Sheet: Bees, Wasps, Hornets & Bumblebees

By AgriPest Management

Not all buzzing insects are the same — and it’s important to know the difference, especially when dealing with nests, stings, or unexpected visitors around your property.

Some species are essential pollinators and should be protected. Others can become aggressive and may require professional pest control intervention.

This fact sheet breaks down the most common buzzing insects found in the UK, how to identify them, and when to call AgriPest Management.

Honeybees

How to Identify Honeybees

  • ✔️ Golden brown

  • ✔️ Fuzzy, with hairy bodies

  • ✔️ Often seen collecting pollen

Behaviour & Risks

Honeybees are vital pollinators and are generally non-aggressive. They sting only when they feel threatened.

What AgriPest Does

At AgriPest Management, we relocate honeybee hives safely and responsibly if they have taken up residence inside homes, chimney pots, cavity walls or outbuildings.

Wasps

How to Identify Wasps

  • ✔️ Bright yellow and black stripes

  • ✔️ Smooth, shiny bodies

  • ✔️ Narrow waist

Behaviour & Risks

Wasps can be highly aggressive, especially in late summer. They can sting multiple times, making them a risk to families, pets and businesses.

Where They Nest

  • Sheds

  • Lofts

  • Bushes

  • Roof eaves

  • Wall cavities

What AgriPest Does

We provide fast and effective wasp nest removal and treatment.

Hornets

How to Identify Hornets

  • ✔️ Larger than wasps

  • ✔️ Reddish-brown with yellow markings

  • ✔️ Loud, deep buzz

Behaviour & Risks

Hornets have a very painful sting, but they are less aggressive than common wasps unless their nest is disturbed.

Where They Nest

  • High trees

  • Rooflines

  • Barn rafters

  • Outbuildings

What AgriPest Does

We safely treat and/or remove hornet nests, including those in high or difficult locations.

Bumblebees

How to Identify Bumblebees

  • ✔️ Round, fuzzy, gentle appearance

  • ✔️ Ginger thorax with black abdomen

  • ✔️ Often nest in bird boxes or small gaps

Behaviour & Risks

Bumblebees are gentle and non-aggressive. They play an important pollinating role and only sting when provoked.

Where They Nest

  • Underground cavities

  • Bird nest boxes

  • Garden sheds

  • Wall gaps

What AgriPest Does

We offer advice, monitoring and safe relocation if their nest poses a risk to your property.

Not Sure What You’re Dealing With? Call the Experts.

If you’re unsure whether you’re looking at bees, wasps, hornets or bumblebees, do not take risks — especially if insects are entering your home.

AgriPest Management will:

  • Identify the species

  • Assess any risk

  • Provide safe, responsible treatment or relocation

  • Protect your property and the environment

Contact AgriPest Management Today

📧 Email: nick@agripestmanagement.co.uk
📞 Office: 01423 358533
🌐 Website: https://agripestmanagement.co.uk/

AgriPest Management — your trusted experts in safe insect identification, treatment and relocation across Yorkshire.

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