Recognising the main wasp species in the Netherlands
As a pest controller with more than 20 years of experience, I get calls almost daily from people asking: “Do I have wasps or bees in my garden?” Good of you to ask! Because the difference is important. Let me explain how to recognise them.
In the Netherlands, we have about 30 different species of wasp, but there are two that cause by far the most nuisance in homes. The common wasp and the German wasp. These two are responsible for almost all wasp nests I come to remove.
The Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
This is the wasp you will encounter most often. You will recognise it by those typical yellow-black stripes. But pay particular attention to its face: do you see a black anchor pattern between the eyes? Then you are dealing with the common wasp.
These wasps grow to about 12-17 millimetres in size - workers are somewhat smaller than queens. They have that characteristic “wasp waist” between thorax and abdomen from which they get their name.
The German wasp (Vespula germanica)
This one looks very much like the common wasp. I often see people confusing them. The difference? Look at the face: instead of that anchor pattern, the German wasp has three black dots. This species is also slightly more sturdily built and can grow up to 18 millimetres long.
Note that the German wasp is just a bit more aggressive if you get too close to the nest. You have to take that into account.
The French Field Wasp (Polistes dominula)
This one is very different from the first two. See a wasp with remarkably long, dangling legs in flight? Then it's probably a French field wasp. Its body is slimmer and more orange-yellow than yellow-black.
Good news: this species builds smaller, open nests and rarely causes problems. I need to remove them very little.
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How do I know if there is a wasp nest in my property?
OK, you've seen wasps. But is there actually a nest there? That's the question I get most often. Let me explain a few things to look out for.
Look at the flight paths
The first sign of a nest is increased wasp activity in one specific spot. Indeed, wasps fly in a clear straight line to and from their nest - they are true creatures of habit.
Stand still and watch for a few minutes. Do you see that wasps keep flying to the same point and there disappear into the gable, roof or a shed? Then there is most probably a nest there.
The Most Common Nesting Locations
In my 20 years as a pest controller, I have found nests in the craziest places. But there are a few locations that are real favourites for wasps:
For common and German wasps: Cavity walls (by far the most), gutters and under roof tiles, attics and crawl spaces, sheds and garden sheds, and sometimes even in old bird nests or mailboxes.
For French field wasps: These actually build their nests in open places - under eaves, in bushes, on garden furniture. So they are easier to spot.
Mind the Size of the Nest
This is important to know: in April-May, when queens are just starting out, a nest is only the size of a golf ball. Really! But visit people in August? Then the same nest can be the size of a football or even bigger.
My advice: see wasp activity as early as spring? Then call immediately. A small nest is much safer and cheaper to remove than one with thousands of wasps.
Why do wasps come to your home? (And how to prevent it)
I get this question at least 10 times every summer: “Johan, why are those wasps just coming to me?” Well, I'll explain to you what attracts wasps.
What Attracts Wasps?
Wasps are looking for three things: a good nesting place, food for their larvae (other insects), and sweet food for themselves. If your garden or home offers that, they will be happy to visit.
Nesting locations that wasps love: Cracks and holes in your facade (they only need 5 millimetres!), poorly maintained eaves, old bird nests you haven't cleared out, and unused spaces like attics and sheds.
Food sources: Lots of insects in your garden (that's food for their young), fruit falling to the ground (especially overripe), open bins with food scraps, and yes - your barbecue with soft drinks and beer.
My Practical Tips to Prevent Wasps
In spring (April-May), the game is actually already decided. That's when queens start looking for a nesting site. Therefore, check your home regularly during this period. Seal all holes and cracks. Really, any crevice larger than 5 millimetres.
Do you see a queen flying around your house in May? Pay close attention to where she goes. Often, you can still prevent her from settling. Also clear away old bird nests as soon as the birds are gone.
In summer, the main thing is to keep food sources away. Pick up fallen fruit immediately. Keep wastebaskets tightly closed. And when having a barbecue: always cover food and drinks.
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Stung by a wasp? This is what you need to know about risks
OK, let me be honest: most wasp stings are just annoying but not dangerous. You get pain, swelling, itching for a few days - and then it's over. But there are situations where you do need to be alert.
Normal Response (Most People)
Stung? Then you immediately feel a sharp, burning pain. The spot turns red and swells. This can last for 24 to 48 hours. Then it starts itching - that's actually the most irritating thing. But after a few days, everything is back to normal.
What can you do? Cool the spot with ice, smear an antihistamine gel on it for itching, and try not to scratch (I know, easier said than done).
When Should You Really Watch Out? (Allergic Reaction)
This is serious: about 1 to 3% of people have an allergy to wasp venom. Do you recognise these symptoms? Then call 112 DIRECTly:
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, dizziness or fainting, skin rash all over your body (not just at the sting), nausea or vomiting.
Do you know someone with a wasp allergy? They usually carry an EpiPen - an emergency syringe containing adrenaline. In an emergency, use it immediately and then call 112.
Extra Hazardous Situations
Stitches in the mouth or throat are always dangerous, even without an allergy. This is because the swelling can block your breathing. Call 112 immediately.
Multiple stings at the same time (e.g. if you disturb a nest) can also cause problems, even without allergy. The venom accumulates in your body. Don't feel well afterwards? Go to the GP clinic.
Questions about wasps? I am happy to answer them
I get questions about wasps every day. Below are the questions I hear most often. Is your question not here? Feel free to call me - I will be happy to help you. - Johan
Ha, I get that question so often! It's actually quite simple if you know what to look for. Wasps are smooth and shiny with bright yellow-black stripes - really striking. Bees are much rounder and hairy, with more brownish tones. See that typical slender 'waist'? That's a wasp. And watch its behaviour too: you often see wasps around rubbish bins and soda cans. Bees you see more near flowers. Also important: a wasp can sting you several times, a bee only once (and then dies).
Good of you to ask this! There are a few obvious signs. First: Do you see wasps that keep flying to the same spot in your facade and disappear there? That's usually an entrance hole of a nest. Second: at night, when it is quiet, do you hear scratching sounds or buzzing in the wall? Then there is most probably a nest there. Third: sometimes you see brownish patches around a hole in the wall - that's nesting material. If you see one or more of these signs, call me on 085-2129904. Then I'll come and have a look and you'll know for sure.
No, thankfully not! From my experience: the common wasp and German wasp can become quite aggressive if you disturb their nest. They can attack en masse. The French field wasp is much calmer - it only attacks if you get really close. And hornets? They look scary because they are so big, but are actually quite peaceful. They only sting if you really bother them. The biggest dangers are allergic reactions (in all species) and multiple stings at once.
Good question! April and May are crucial for prevention. That's when queens are looking for a spot for their nest. If you spot it then and address it, you will prevent a large nest later. July and August are the busiest months - that's when nests are at their biggest. But September is often the most annoying. That's when wasps are pushy on food and drink because their nest is out of larvae. October and November? That's when most wasps freeze to death and you are no longer bothered by them.
I really advise against it. Even a "small" nest can contain hundreds of wasps - really. Too many times I have seen people who thought "oh well, it's just a small nest" and ended up with 20+ stings. Wasps defend their nests en masse and aggressively. I have protective gear, professional resources and 20 years of experience. Besides: if you don't remove it completely, they often come back. For your safety: call me on 085-2129904. Then you can be sure it will be done properly and safely.
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