Exploring the Distinctions Between Wasp Species and how they Differ from Bees

Exploring the Distinctions Between Wasp Species and how they Differ from Bees

Wasps are known for their distinctive nests and often aggressive behaviour. Among them, Paper, Mud, and European Wasps stand out for their unique characteristics and habits. Although they share some similarities, they also have many differences, especially in their nesting habits and appearance. It's also important to be able to identify native and introduced bee species and explain our treatment of them, in relation to wasps. Understanding these differences not only enriches your knowledge of these insects, but as pest controllers, helps us manage them. Let's delve deeper into the differences between these fascinating insects.

Paper Wasp
The Paper Wasp is a small wasp, with a size ranging from 10–15mm. They are known for their mix of red, brown, and yellow colouring, and their nests resemble paper, which is made up of their saliva and wood fragments. These nests have a honeycomb-like exterior, and they are usually found under tree branches or the eaves of houses.

Paper Wasps tend to live solo or in very small colonies. They feed their larvae caterpillars and consume nectar as adults. When their nest is disturbed, they can sting, and their stings are known to be painful to humans. Paper Wasps are found all over Australia, particularly in coastal areas and highly populated regions.

Mud Wasp
The Mud Wasp are a type of solitary wasp that builds nests out of mud or clay. They tend to be coloured black or black and orange. They have a very long slender part of their abdomen, this make them distinct not only among other wasp species but other insects.

Mud Wasps need access to water to mix with the mud or clay to create their nests. The nests are usually found in sheltered locations, such as under eaves or in attics and can vary in size and shape. Female mud wasps each build and provision her own nest. This solitary behaviour sets them apart from the more social Paper and European Wasps, minimizing conflicts and competition for resources. They feed on nectar and pollen, and they are important pollinators for many plants.

European Wasp
The European Wasp is larger and more brightly coloured. They have a black and bright yellow body with triangular markings on the abdomen and small black dots on either side. European Wasps build nests out of chewed-up fibrous wood, and they are generally located in cavities and hollow trees.

European Wasps are social insects and live in colonies. Their nests can house thousands of individuals, and they are known to be aggressive if their nest is threatened. They feed on a variety of foods, including insects, fruit, and human leftovers. Their scavenging behaviour can lead to conflicts with humans, especially during outdoor activities and picnics.

At Gippsland Pest Management, we prioritize safety and pride ourselves on our tailored solutions, expertise, and commitment to your satisfaction. That’s why we tackle each population of pest in accordance with what is safe and necessary and best for the client. For example, when you have paper and mud wasps, we suggest that you get a spider treatment, as it will get rid of the wasps you currently have and help prevent more, along with being treatment for spiders, native cockroaches, and earwigs.

Courtsey of Deep Green Permaculture please find the graphic below that summerises some differences between paper wasp and European wasp. Also City of West Torrenshas created a great comparison image of the different nests that the wasp created and how to identifty them by looking their size, shape and texture.

Bees
Wasps and bees, while often mistaken for one another, exhibit some differences and similarities. Both belong to the order Hymenoptera and play crucial roles in pollination and ecosystem balance.
Bees are ‘fuzzy’ in appearance, typically more docile and most species gather nectar and pollen to create honey in their hives. In contrast, wasps are more predatory, often preying on other insects and scavenging for food. Additionally, bees have barbed stingers that detach upon stinging, causing them to die, while wasps have smooth stingers and can sting repeatedly, without dying. Yet, like we see in many insect species, female wasps and bees are the rulers of their swarms, meaning that only the females have the ability to sting.
Not all bees produce honey or at least in large enough quantities for human consumption, as it needs to be used by the swarm for survival. Did you know that in Australia, we have a stingless bee.
If you have identified bees on your property, we can help, yet when we treat them, they are not going to be kept alive, as we will treat the hive directly. If you have identified honey producing bees and wanting the bees relocated to keep the integrity of the hive, you’ll have to find a local beekeeper to help relocate them safely.
Check out Gippsland Apiaristy Association to look at your options in your local area.

In summary, the differences between Paper, Mud, and European Wasps extend beyond their physical appearance to encompass their nesting habits, social structure, and behaviour. While Paper Wasps excel in constructing intricate paper-like nests and maintaining small colonies, Mud Wasps showcase resourcefulness in nest building and a solitary lifestyle, contributing to their unique ecological niche. On the other hand, European Wasps thrive in large, highly organized societies with aggressive defensive tactics. While bees and wasps are distinct, they share several biological characteristics and behaviours that highlight their evolutionary connections.

If you are interested in learning more, read this Britannica article.

If you have a question, give us a call or send us an email and we can discuss your options. We are here to help, ensuring a safe and effective approach to pest control.