Bee Friendly; Removal and Re-Homing
Bees are one of the most important groups of pollinators across the globe. The European Red List for bees has reported that nearly one in ten species of wild bee are faced with extinction. Around 75% of our food crops rely on such pollination. It is estimated that to pollinate crops by hand in the UK alone would cost over £1.8 billion per year. This is why it is so important that we protect bees from harm whenever possible.
In spite of 25% of bees being endangered, they are not protected by law or legislation. However, a respectable pest control agency will only apply bee treatments as a last resort, or if there is a serious threat to human life. Here at Avon Pest Control, we understand that it can be distressing and undesirable to discover a bee’s nest in or around your property. We also consider bee conservation and our wider environment to be of high consequence, therefore we advise and offer bee nest removal and re-homing as a first course of action.
The BPCA (British Pest Control Association) recommend considering each of the following points in order should you discover a bee’s nest:
- Leave them bee: bees are generally not aggressive and do not sting unless provoked. They will also not cause any damage to your property. Most bees leave the nest after the summer season has ended, and do not return the following year. Hive activity usually becomes apparent just before it is about to naturally decline, therefore it is advisable, if possible, to allow the bees to nest and move on in peace.
- Re-homing: relocating the nest can be a good option, affording removal of the bees without harming them. This may be dependent on the location of the nest, e.g., if access to the nest is easy, as opposed to in a more difficult location such as inside chimney spaces or cavity walls.
- Eradication: if relocation is not possible, and the location of the nest if dangerous, eradication may be the only available option. This should always be selected as a final course of action when the first two options have failed.
There are many different bee species. Knowledge of each variety is required to inform their management. Removing a bee’s nest can also be a complicated and potentially dangerous process. Bees can swarm and sting if they feel threatened, e.g., if you are disturbing their nest by attempting to removing it. Bee stings can be painful, and some people are fatally allergic to them, therefore Avon Pest Control strongly advise against do it yourself approaches and recommend ensuring you hire a reputable pest control agency.
For responsible bee management, advice on how to safely proceed with your bee’s nest situation, and help avoiding future nests, call Avon Pest Control today on 01926 632929 or 01789 293 463 or click here to request a call back. Let our qualified, friendly technicians provide you with the expert support you need at competitive prices that don’t carry a sting.
