There may be hundreds of species of wasps, hornets and bees found around the world. Only a few of these are seen as real pests here in China and some of them do not sting.
Some species, like the Honey Bee, are actually a valuable part of our ecosystem. Understanding their habits, lifecycle and appearance can help to identify the best form of wasp control for your home or business.
See our list below of common species in China.
(Family: Vespidae, e.g. Vespula Vulgaris & Vespula germanica)
These are the two commonly found wasp species in NSW, Vic, and Tasmania and the ones responsible for causing painful wasp stings.
Once indoors, they prefer to build nests in sheltered locations with easy access to the outside, such as lofts, garages and wall cavities. Outside they may nest in old rodent burrows, hollow trees and bushes.
(Apis Mellifera)
Honey bees are the species kept by Bee Keepers.
If you have a problem with honey bees, contact a local Bee Keeper or Environmental Health Department as they will be able to arrange for the swarm to be relocated.
(Osmia rufa)
(Amegilla sp.)
These bees are known as masonry or mortar bees because they like to nest in crevices or holes in masonry. They prefer to stay near walls that receive sunshine for much of the day.
Mortar bees use naturally occurring holes in bricks or mortar joints (especially mortar with a high lime or sand content).
(Vespula)
(Xylocopa virginica)