What’s that Buzzing? A Guide to Bee Removal
Bees are very important when it comes to pollination and the health of the ecosystem, however they occasionally end up making themselves home in unwanted places.
If you happen to find a bee nest on your property, it is important to know how to handle bee removal safely. For many reasons, the removal of bees is not an easy task, posing health hazards such as risk of stings. They are also an endangered species.
Some people can be allergic and have bad reactions to a bee sting, so when dealing with a nest full of bees, you want to be as careful as possible. If you’re unsure of what you’re doing, professional bee removal might be your best option.
In this guide, we’ll explore what you need to know about bees and general tips for removing them…
Why Do Bee Infestations Happen?
It’s not unusual for common species of bees such as honeybees, bumblebees and solitary bees to build nests in or around properties.
And whilst bees are good for the environment, building their nests near human dwellings is not ideal, and can be a health and safety issue.
They may decide to build their nests in wall cavities, your loft, or other enclosed spaces. They also might build nests outside in places such as trees that are too near to your garden, you won’t be able to chill out in the garden with family and children with a nest of buzzing bees hovering above you. They may even visit you through open windows, disturbing your peaceful afternoon lounging.
So What Do You Do?
Understanding behaviour (or bee-haviour…sorry) and the nesting habits of different bee species is your best bet in achieving effective and humane removal.
Safety First
Safety should be at the forefront of your mind when you first notice a bee nest or infestation. Bees can perceive human interference as a threat, you might be trying to help them, but they don’t understand that, so they can potentially sting in self-defence in order to protect the nest.
Before attempting removal, assess the situation carefully. Trying to determine how many bees you are dealing with as a single sting is one thing, but several bees ganging up on you could be a nightmare.
If you are dealing with a large colony or aggressive bees, it’s probably best not to do things yourself, instead enlisting the services of a professional beekeeper or pest control experts.
Are Bees Protected?
It seems to be a common misconception that bees are protected in the UK. Although 25% of bee species are endangered, there are no actual laws or legislation to protect them.
Still, it’s essential to remove bees in a way that is both as safe for you and them as possible. Talk to an expert for more advice.
Tips for Removing Bees By Yourself
Whilst professional assistance is probably your best bet, especially for complex or hazardous infestations, there are some DIY methods you can try to deter bees or relocate them safely.
Here are a few general tips:
Identify the type of bee you are dealing with
Different species may act differently and therefore require a different approach to their removal. Learn how to distinguish between common species such as honeybees, bumblebees and solitary bees. This will help determine how you deal with the removal process.
Avoid disturbing the nest
Bees are sensitive to disturbances. They can be territorial to humans and other bees, so aggressive behaviour may escalate if their nest is disturbed. Always keep a safe distance from the nest, avoid sudden movements and loud noises.
Provide an alternative nesting site
Try placing bee hotels or nesting boxes in your garden to attract bees away from the nest that they have placed in an unwanted location. This may help get them further away from your home.
Try natural repellents
Certain scents such as peppermint oil or citrus can potentially repel creatures like bees and spiders. Try spraying these scents around your entry points or even round the nesting site. It may be enough to encourage those bees to relocate without any harm being caused. This could be a good strategy in combination with providing an alternative nesting site, as they may relocate there.
Preventing Future Infestations
One of the best ways to prevent any future risk of infestation is to seal any gaps, cracks and openings in your property. Seal gaps around windows and doors and you’ll have less ways for bees to get into your home. Pay attention to places such as lofts and garages.
Remember, if in doubt, a professional bee removal service is just a call away. It could help you avoid a sting or two (or three).
