Bees Vs Wasp

By Eddie Walsh. Duhallow Beekeepers Association

The honeybee swarming season is upon us again and it will last until the end of July.

Honeybees swarm when the numbers in the colony grow to such an extent that there is no longer room left in the hive or perhaps the tree or wherever the bees decide to nest.

When people see bees swarming, they get alarmed and immediately think that they are going to get stung. However this is seldom the case as the bees are more preoccupied in finding a new dwelling place. When swarming, they are at their calmest and most docile.

Beekeepers are always interested in capturing swarms, particularly in May and early June when the swarm consists of large numbers Beginners in bee keeping are particularly interested in swarms as the swarm provides an introduction to beekeeping for them. We have sixteen new beekeepers attending our course in IRD this spring and summer. If you happen to come across a swarm in your backyard or garden, contact your local beekeeper or IRD Duhallow on 02960633.

Please try to distinguish between honeybees and wasps as beekeepers have no interest in travelling long distances only to discover a colony of wasps. Wasps are more yellow in colour than honeybees. Honeybees usually will hang from a tree branch or shrub in your garden. Unfortunately honeybees will decide at times to go into a persons house under the eaves or soffit. It is the strict policy of Duhallow Beekeepers Association not to do to attempt taking a swarm where the structure of a house has to be interfered with in any way.

Bee or wasp? Wasps have a clear segmented body with a much smaller mid section. Their yellow is vibrant as a warning to predators. Bees are more plump and have more defined stripes.

A Wasp Hive. Beekeepers are unable to help with wasp infestations. Be sure to know the difference between wasps and bees.

Swarms are harder to tell the difference; Bee swarms are docile and will be more focused on finding a home. Our yellow jacket wasps nest in holes and dense vegetation. Pay attention to the colour and body difference for identification.