Swarms
Use the questions below to work out what it is you're looking at and find out what to do about it:
Question 1
Are they round and very hairy with a yellow/white or orange band on its tail/bottom? Are they like stripy footballs? Do they make a very loud buzzing sound? Are they living in an old bird box, a compost heap, under the decking, a hole in the ground?
Yes No
Action
These are Bumblebees Leave them alone if possible. Bumblebees are an important pollinator and rarely sting. Bumblebees are under threat of extinction. For more information contact the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
Start Again
Question 2
Are they bright yellow with black stripes? Are they very smooth mainly yellow with black stripes? Is it in the roof of your house? Are they coming from a round nest in a tree? Is there a nest in the shed? Do they have a high pitched buzz? Are they interested in sweet sugary foods?
Yes No
Action
These are Wasps - contact your Local Authority.
Start Again
Question 3
Are they very big with a loud buzz? Are they black and brown with a hint of orange? Are they living in the roof or shed? Do they have a very big curved tail?
Yes No
Action
These are Hornets - contact your Local Authority.
Start Again
Question 4
Do they have golden brown or dark brown bands? Are they slightly furry? Are they formed in a clump hanging from a tree, gate post, chimney? Are there thousands of them swirling around in the air? Are they the same size as a house fly?
Yes No