Bees

The Council's Pest Control Service does not kill or treat bees because they are a vital part of our ecosystems.  We can help if there is a swarm in your area, or if you are unsure whether you have bees or wasps.  Contact us on 01282 661199 for advice.  Read on for more information about bees and wasps.

Bees play a major role in the food chain because they are pollinators.  Without bees many plants would not be able to reproduce and so would die out. This includes many plants that we use for food, in fact in the UK about 70 food crops are dependent on visits from bees. The economic benefit of honey bees is estimated at over £200 million a year, with each hive valued at about £600.

Bee populations are being drastically reduced because of changes in farming practices, the use of pesticides, diseases and a phenomenon called Colony Collapse Disorder, where bees suddenly desert a hive for no apparent reason.

If you want to learn more about bees visit http://www.britishbee.org.uk/

Bees and wasps are often confused.  Here are a few handy hints to help you identify the differences between them:

Wasps eat animal food, other insects, and spiders and don't store any honey. They make their nests from paper and live for only one season. The basic colour for wasps is black with yellow stripes. There are about 8 different kinds of wasp in the UK .  

Bumble bees are large and furry. They are black or brown with wide stripes of yellow or white. Their nests look like a bird's nest and usually contain fewer than 100 bees. They are usually located in compost heaps, garden sheds, mouse holes and tussocks of grass. 

When bees swarm they congregate temporarily, usually on a branch of a bush or tree, prior to finding a new home. At this time they can be collected by an experienced beekeeper and moved to a new hive.

If you encounter a swarm please contact the Council on 01282 661199.