There are many different wasp species but the ones encountered most in the UK are 'yellow jackets', part of the Vespidae family, which are to be found living in nests with a queen and non-reproducing workers.  Unlike bees, who live off their honey, a wasp colony dies off in the winter. . .  with the exception of the queen.

When wasp queens emerge in the spring, they are able to self-fertilise eggs with stored sperm in order to produce a new colony.

Wasp's nests are constructed from plant fibre or wood pulp and cemented in place using their own secretions.  Varying in size from a small football, up to that of a basketball. . .  although these are very rare as most people tend to have wasp nests treated before they get to that size.

Although wasps feed on nectar, they do ocassionally attack bee hives to feed off the honey inside.  Later in the year, when semi rotten fruit is available, wasps & hornets become more aggressive, effectively drunk, and are more likely to sting you.

Although there are wasp killing products available over the counter, you'll need to get close to the nest to treat it, increasing the likelihood of stings. We would always recommend the services of a professional pest controller using the correct protection and industrial strength products to treat your problem.

Hornets.  Generally a lot larger than wasps, sometimes measuring in excess of 2 inches!

Because of the higher levels of toxins hornets are able to deliver with each sting, these are more painful than wasps, although rarely fatal unless given to allergic victims.

Like wasps, queen hornets are able to store sperm within them until they are ready to fertilise eggs.  When they have made a nest, the first hatch are generally responsible for maintaining and enlarging the nest, foraging for food and care of the larvae.  Again, like wasps, only fertilised queens are able to over winter.

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