Wasps vs Bees – How to Identify Them Before Arranging Pest Control in Church Whitfield
Knowing what to expect from each type of visit helps you decide who to call, and what to do before they arrive, once you have worked out whether you have wasps or bees.
Two different kinds of help
Householders sometimes assume that anyone who deals with stinging insects handles all of them. In practice there are two quite different kinds of help. A wasp technician treats wasp nests. A beekeeper or bee organisation deals with bees, and usually aims to preserve them. Calling the wrong one wastes time on both sides.
If you are in Church Whitfield and have worked out which insect you have, this guide explains what to expect from each type of visit, and what you can do to make it go smoothly.
It is worth saying that neither type of visit is a verdict on you. Insects settle where they find shelter, and the best homes and gardens in the world get visitors. Calling the right person promptly is the sensible thing to do, and nobody will think any less of you for asking.
What a wasp visit involves
When you book with Wasp Exterminator Kent, we take details of where the nest is, how high it is and whether anyone is at risk. A technician then attends, locates the nest and treats it. The price is a fixed £120 per nest, with one visit guaranteed. The technician is fully insured and qualified, and they can answer your questions at the time, including whether the empty nest can be taken down.
Beyond that, we do not describe how the work is done. The key point for you is that you do not need to be present at the nest, and that you should keep yourself, your family and your pets well away.
You are welcome to ask questions while the technician is there. Many people want to know what to look out for in future, whether gaps should be sealed and when it is safe to use the area again. The technician can answer sensibly, within the limits of what they know about your property.
Wasp Exterminator Kent works seven days a week, with same-day service offered, and for both homes and businesses. Evening and weekend appointments are available if daytime does not suit, and the online booking form can be used for urgent requests out of normal hours.
What a bee visit tends to involve
We do not carry out bee work, so we cannot speak for beekeepers. In general, a beekeeper or bee organisation will want to know whether the insects are honeybees or bumblebees, where they are and how long they have been there. They may be able to collect a swarm, advise on a colony or tell you to leave them alone.
Both honeybees and bumblebees are important pollinators, so they are best left to a local beekeeper or bee organisation. The service is for wasps only, so if it sounds like bees we will say so rather than book a visit.
Beekeepers tend to be volunteers or hobbyists who give their time, so be patient and polite, and be ready to give clear information. They may ask for a photograph, and they may not be able to attend straight away. Swarms in particular are a seasonal matter, and they are usually only available for a limited time before the bees move on.
If the bees are in a place that is difficult to reach, such as a chimney or a cavity wall, the beekeeper may need to look at the situation before deciding what is possible. Do not try to prepare the area yourself, and do not block the entrance.
Getting ready for either visit
A few simple preparations help.
- Have a clear description ready: where the insects go in and out, and how high.
- Take a photograph from a safe distance.
- Keep children and pets indoors during the visit.
- Move cars, furniture and washing away from the area if it is safe to do so.
- Make sure the technician can reach the area, for example by unlocking a gate.
Stay clear of any nest you find, because wasps can swarm and sting if they feel threatened. Do not tamper with the nest before the visit.
If you rent your home, it is worth checking who arranges and pays for pest work before you book, since that depends on your tenancy agreement. A quick message to your landlord or agent can save confusion later.
Plan for the day of the visit. If you are at work, tell us how the technician can reach the area, or arrange for a neighbour to be on hand. Keep any pets shut in and make sure children understand that the area is out of bounds.
Timing and cost
From late April, weather permitting, wasps begin to build, in whatever shelter they find, from eaves, walls and chimneys to trees, bushes and holes in the ground. The colony expands all summer and reaches its peak in August with 2,000 to 10,000 or more wasps.
The sooner an identification is made, the sooner the right help can be arranged. There is no call-out charge for talking it through with us.
When the visit is over, ask the technician for advice on what to look for and when to ring again. A short chat at the end is the best way to clear up any questions while the technician is still on site.
If you are still unsure
If you cannot tell which insect you have, just ask. We would rather help you reach the right person than book a visit that is not needed.
If you would like a technician to look at it, call 01622 410 019 or use the form on the website if you prefer. The charge for a nest is a fixed £120 with one visit guaranteed and no call-out charge. Another nest found on your property is priced at £60 extra.
Our team handles domestic and commercial work and is open seven days a week with same-day service available. Appointments in the evening or at weekends can be arranged, and everyone who attends is fully insured and qualified.
If you or a relative react badly to stings, mention it at the time of booking so we can prioritise the job.
Wasps on your property in Church Whitfield?
Fixed price £120 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.