Bees

We do not offer pest control services for bees but can offer some guidance on how to deal with them in your home.

In the UK, bees are generally not considered pests and should not be harmed or exterminated unless absolutely necessary.

Most bee encounters do not need intervention, and many issues can be resolved with simple preventative measures or the help of a specialist bee relocation expert.

Identifying different bees

The most common bees are:

• Bumblebees
  These are large, furry bees that are usually black with yellow or orange bands. They are social insects, often nesting in the ground, compost heaps, or bird boxes. Bumblebee nests are generally small and non-aggressive unless provoked.
• Honeybee
  Smaller and slimmer than bumblebees, honeybees are golden-brown in colour and often seen in large groups. They live in large colonies, usually in hives, but sometimes form wild swarms that may temporarily settle on trees, buildings, or vehicles while searching for a new home.
• Solitary bees
  These bees do not live in colonies. They nest individually in small holes in the ground, walls, wood or hollow plant stems. They are non-aggressive and rarely sting.

Encountering bees

• Observe from a distance
  If bees are not posing a threat or nesting inside your property, it is usually best to leave them alone.
• Avoid disturbing nests
  Bees will generally only become aggressive if their nest is threatened.
• Temporary swarms
  If you see a swarm of honeybees, do not panic. Swarms are usually calm and temporary. Contact a local beekeeper or swarm collection service for safe removal.

You can contact Cardiff, Vale and Valleys Beekeepers at www.cardiffbeekeepers.co.uk.

When bees may need attention

• If a bee nest is located inside your property. This can include wall cavities, attics, roof spaces and chimneys.
• If someone in the household is allergic to bee stings.
• If the nest is in a high-traffic foot area, such as doorways, paths, schools or play areas, it could increase the chance of accidental disturbance and stings.
• If bees appear to be behaving aggressive or behaving unusually, such as flying erratically indoors or persistently around windows and vents, professional assessment from a beekeeper or specialist may be needed.

Dealing with bees nests

• Do not use insecticides or sprays on bees. They are dangerous and ineffective. Harming bees should be avoided.
• Do not block entry or exit points of nests while bees are active. This can potentially trap bees inside and cause them to become more aggressive.
• Contact a local beekeeping association, wildlife rescue group or a private pest control company that can ethically relocate the bees.

How important are bees?

Bees are one of the most important insects on the planet. Their contribution to both the natural environment and human agriculture includes:

• Pollination
  Bees pollinate one-third of the food we eat, including fruit, vegetables and crops. Without bees, the availability and diversity of our food would be reduced.
• Biodiversity
  Bees support growth of trees, flowers and other plants through pollination. This helps to maintain balanced ecosystems, supporting birds, insects and other wildlife.
• Economic value
  Pollination by bees is estimated to contribute hundreds of millions of pounds to the UK agriculture economy each year.
• Environmental indicators
  Bees are excellent indicators of a healthy environment. A decline in bee population often signals a broader problem in the environment.