Wasp Species in the UK: Common Wasps, German Wasps & Hornets

Quick Answer — Which wasp species am I most likely seeing?

For most homes and businesses, it’s one of three:

• Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
• German wasp (Vespula germanica)
• European hornet (Vespa crabro) (technically a hornet, not a wasp, but often confused with wasps)

You might also encounter tree wasps (Dolichovespula sylvestris) or median wasps (Dolichovespula media) in gardens and woodland edges. All build papery nests, all defend the colony, and none should be approached without protection or training.

Wasp vs Hornet vs Bee — fast identification in the UK

Wasps (Vespula/Dolichovespula)

• Look: Bright yellow-and-black bands, smooth body, defined “waist.”
• Nest: Paper (chewed wood pulp), grey/tan with swirled texture.
• Behaviour: Fast, direct flight lines to a single hole; defensive near nests.

Hornets (Vespa crabro)

• Look: Larger than wasps, brownish-red and yellow, deeper buzzing sound.
• Nest: Also paper, often in larger cavities or higher in trees/lofts.
• Behaviour: Can be highly defensive; stings are painful and can be multiple.

Bees (honey bees/bumblebees)

• Look: Hairier, rounder bodies; colours more muted (brown/amber).
• Nest: Wax comb (honey bees) or grassy/insulated cavities (bumblebees).

Note: Bees are important pollinators; suspected bee nests should be assessed professionally for humane options.

If you’re not certain what you’re seeing, don’t move closer for a photograph. Call A&H Pest Control on 020 8295 3402 and describe colour, size, and behaviour—we’ll advise safely.

Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)

Identification

The textbook UK wasp species: bright yellow-and-black stripes, slim waist, and a smooth, shiny body. Nests are papery, layered, and usually grey/tan, tucked into lofts, soffits, eaves, sheds, wall voids, or occasionally old rodent holes in the ground.

Nesting & habitats

Common wasps exploit small gaps: lifted tiles, cracked soffits, broken vents, or air bricks. If you watch for 30–60 seconds and see repeated, straight flight lines to one gap, you’ve likely located the nest entrance.

Behaviour through the season

• Spring: Queen starts a small nest, worker numbers low.
• Summer: Rapid colony growth; steady traffic to the entrance.
• Late summer/early autumn: Peak numbers and increased defensiveness.
• Winter: Colony dies; new queens overwinter in cavities.

Removal approach (why professional is safer)

A&H targets the nest with professional-grade dusts/sprays via the active entry points, using safe-at-height access and PPE. DIY aerosols rarely reach the core combs, causing partial kill, aggressive survivors, and further spread into the structure.

German Wasp (Vespula germanica)

Identification

Very similar to Common wasp, but look for three small black dots on the face and subtly different abdominal markings. Without close inspection, most people can’t distinguish the two—that’s fine; our technicians will.

Behaviour & risks

German wasp colonies can be large and highly defensive in late summer. Entry points are often at eaves, fascias, and soffit joints. Attempting to block the hole traps workers inside and can drive them into living spaces via light fittings and vents.

Removal approach

Professional treatment is delivered through all active entry points, often resolved in a single visit. We’ll advise on when to seal access (never before activity has ceased) and simple prevention steps.

European Hornet (Vespa crabro)

Identification

Significantly larger than wasps; brownish-red head and thorax with yellow abdomen. Hornets often fly at dusk and are attracted to lights.

Nesting sites

Large cavities: mature trees, high roof voids, large soffit spaces, and sometimes outbuildings. The paper nest can get substantial in size.

Behaviour & risk profile

Hornets can deliver painful stings and will defend the nest vigorously. Colonies near entrances, walkways, or outdoor seating areas require urgent professional attention.

Removal approach

A&H uses enhanced PPE, safe-at-height access, and carefully timed treatments tailored for hornet behaviour. DIY attempts here are particularly dangerous.

Tree Wasp (Dolichovespula sylvestris) & Median Wasp (Dolichovespula media)

Identification & habits

These species are less often found inside roof voids in urban settings but turn up in hedges, shrubs, or garden structures. Nests are still papery, though placement is often more exposed (in dense foliage or free-hanging under a structure).

Risks and removal

Disturbance (garden work, hedge trimming) commonly triggers defensive swarming. Our technicians assess approach angles, clear a safety perimeter, and treat quickly to stabilise the area.

How nest size changes by species and season

All paper wasp/hornet nests grow as the season progresses:

• Early spring: Golf-ball to apple size.
• Mid-summer: Football size is common.
• Late summer/early autumn: Very large nests possible, with heavy traffic and strong colony defence.

Don’t wait for a small nest to become a late-season hazard. Early professional removal is faster, cheaper, and far safer.

Where you’ll likely find nests (by species)

• Common/German wasps: Lofts, eaves, soffits, sheds, wall cavities, old burrows.
• Hornets: Large roof voids, high trees, big cavities in outbuildings.
• Tree/median wasps: Hedgerows, shrubs, pergolas, exposed garden structures.

Clues include persistent buzzing, papery debris, and “track-like” flight lines funneling into a single gap.

Health risks and sting reactions (applies to all species)

• Local reaction: Pain, redness, mild swelling.
• Large local reaction: Swelling beyond the sting site (e.g., whole forearm).
• Systemic reaction (allergy): Hives away from site, breathing difficulty, facial swelling, dizziness—call 999 immediately.

If anyone on-site has a known allergy, treat any suspected nest as urgent and keep a safe distance until we attend.

Myths that cause trouble (and what to do instead)

“Block the hole and they’ll leave.”

They don’t leave—they find or chew a new route, often into the property through ceiling roses, bathroom fans, or loft hatches.

“A quick spray from the garden will sort it.”

Retail aerosols rarely penetrate to the queen or deep combs. Result: partial kill, more aggression, and a harder job later.

“It’s a winter problem; I’ll wait it out.”

Late-season colonies are biggest and most defensive; waiting increases sting risk. Also, new queens may already be sheltering for next year.

“It’s probably bees.”

Misidentification leads to wrong treatments, legal/ethical issues, and risk. If you’re unsure, call 020 8295 3402—we’ll guide you.

DIY vs professional for different species

Common/German wasps: DIY nearly always under-treats hidden nests. Expect repeat visits and rising aggression.

Hornets: DIY is dangerous and strongly discouraged. Larger insects, larger nests, larger risk.

Tree/median wasps: Often exposed in gardens; still defensive and unpredictable—professional control recommended.

Our identification & removal process (all species)

1) Phone triage

Quick questions: where, when, how many, and how close to entrances/windows? We advise immediate safety steps.

2) On-site observation

Confirm species indicators from a safe distance; map flight lines and entry points.

3) Access planning

Loft/eaves inspection if required; PPE, ladders, and safe-at-height methods.

4) Targeted treatment

Professional dusts/sprays via active entrances; treat split-entry nests; avoid premature sealing.

5) Aftercare

Expect rapid reduction in activity; once silent, we advise on sealing gaps, vent repairs, and simple proofing tweaks.

Most nests are resolved in a single professional visit; complex sites may require a scheduled check.

When to call A&H (and what to tell us)

Call 020 8295 3402 if you notice:

• Repeated flight to a single gap in soffits, tiles, vents, brickwork, or ground
• Audible buzzing/crackling in lofts or wall cavities
• Multiple wasps indoors near lights or bathroom fans
• A visible papery nest in a shed, hedge, or tree

Share photos of the exterior entry (from a distance), where it is (e.g., above the back door), and peak activity times. We’ll advise next steps and book a prompt visit.

Why choose A&H for any UK wasp species or hornets?

• 30+ years’ experience across London & Southern England
• Accurate species identification and behaviour-led treatment
• Safe-at-height procedures and full PPE
• Competitive, transparent pricing (no hidden extras)
• Clear aftercare and prevention advice
• We don’t take chances with stinging insects—and neither should you.

Ready for safe identification and removal?

For fast, safe removal—whatever the wasp species or hornets on your property—call A&H Pest Control on 020 8295 3402. We’ll confirm what you’re dealing with and remove the nest quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption.