Your quick guide for safer DIY pest control — from Squishem Pest Supplies

Bees and wasps are two of the most commonly confused insects, especially in summer when both are active around gardens, outdoor eating areas, and homes. But knowing the difference is more than just useful — it helps you stay safe, protect beneficial pollinators, and choose the right products for DIY treatment.

Here’s a simple guide to help you confidently tell them apart.

1. Body Shape & Appearance

Bees

• Fuzzy, round, and chubby-looking.
• Hair-covered bodies help them collect pollen.
• Colours are usually muted: brown, gold, or black with soft striping.

Wasps

• Smooth, shiny, and slender with a pinched “waist.”
• Brighter colours like bold yellow and black.
• Far fewer hairs on the body.

Quick tip: If it looks sleek and sharp = wasp. If it looks fluffy and cute = bee.

2. Behaviour and Attitude

Bees

• Generally gentle unless defending their hive.
• More interested in flowers than your food.
• Honey bees can only sting once.

Wasps

• More aggressive and territorial.
• Attracted to meat, sugary drinks, BBQ leftovers, pet food, bins, and compost.
• Can sting multiple times.

3. Nests

Bee Nests

• Wax honeycombs.
• Found in hollow trees, wall cavities, roof voids, or hive boxes.
• Entrance is usually a small opening with lots of bee traffic.

Wasp Nests

• Paper-like material made from chewed wood pulp.
• Can be round, papery balls (European wasp), or open combs (paper wasps).
• Often located under eaves, trees, garden furniture, sheds, or underground.

4. Flight Pattern

Bees

• Soft, steady flight.
• Hover gently around flowers.

Wasps

• Buzz with purpose and move quicker.
• More likely to circle people or food.

5. Why Identification Matters

• Bees are essential pollinators and should be protected whenever possible.
• European wasps, paper wasps, and other wasp species can be dangerous and may require treatment, especially around pets and children.
• Proper identification ensures you choose safe, effective DIY products or get professional help if needed.

Need to treat a nest?

At Squishem Pest Supplies, we stock pro-grade DIY wasp control products so you can protect your home using the same quality trusted by professionals.
Prefer to leave it to the experts? You can also book a full professional wasp treatment through our partners at Gippsland Pest Management, ensuring safe, effective, long-lasting results.