Bewildered by bees?

Bees store food so they can survive all year round. Each bee colony has a single queen and up to 20,000 workers.

Bees are slightly larger than wasps and have a "hairy" look to their legs and body, which is quite bulbous.

Workers concentrate on collecting food and they are essential pollinators.

Spotting a nest

Bee nests are by necessity large and can usually be easily spotted. They are most often in cavities and hollows.

Bumble bee colonies can be found in compost heaps, in banks under hedges, beneath garden decking etc.

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Bee stings

  • Stings can be painful, and may cause serious adverse reaction in a small proportion of the public. However, bees are likely to attack only if they or their hives are threatened.
  • The sting of a bee is different from a wasp sting as the bee leaves the stinger, with the venom sac attached, sticking in the victim.
  • Remove the stinger as soon as possible by scraping it horizontally. Do not pull it out with the fingers, as this will squeeze the venom out of the sac and into the body.
  • Apply a cool compresses on the sting.
  • Bee stings should be bathed in a solution of bicarbonate of soda.
  • If the sting is in the mouth, sucking an ice cube will ease discomfort, but medical aid should be sought. The same applies for multiple stings.
  • As some people are allergic to stings medical help should be sought immediately at the first sign of excessive swelling or difficulty in breathing.

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Bees swarms

These are common in May and June, and bees usually remain in the same place for a maximum of two days before moving on to take up permanent residence.

When settled temporarily i.e. hanging from a branch, a beekeeper may be willing to come out and capture them. Most swarms are docile but it is advisable to keep children and pets well away.

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Nuisance

There are specialist masonry or miner bees which may make their home in the soft mortar between the brickwork of your house.

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Guarding against bees

Make your home unattractive to bees by limiting the places they can form a new hive. Any enclosed spaces such as cavity walls can become bee hives if access is available through cracks.

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In conclusion...

Bees are not considered pests and can bring new life to the flowering plants in their area. If you have any special worries, for example an allergy to bee stings or concern for your family, a pest control contractor or beekeeper can give advice about control methods.

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Local Beekeepers

Further advice and assistance on honey bees may be obtained from:

Mr J Hamer Blackhorse Apiaries 01483 475259

Mr G Noblett 01932 347094

Mr C Styles 01483 570658

Alternatively, you may chose to contact a Pest Control Contractor.