Bee Removal in London & Essex Bumblebees Overview Bumblebees range in size from about 12 to 25mm in length and are usually yellow and black striped but sometimes have red and/or white as well. Bumblebees are commonly seen in spring and summertime.
Health Risks Bumblebees can sting, but rarely do so except in their own defence and usually only if actually handled. Damage to Property and Reputation Bumblebees can often nest in cavities underground. Others may nest on the ground in rough grass or moss so be careful in open garden areas. How We Can Help You Help Yourself Quick Tips
If you disturb a nest when gardening simply leave it alone as the bees will repair any damage. Today we cannot justify destroying bumblebee colonies as they very good for our environment and are of value as pollinators of many flowers and plants. Did You Know
Generally bumble bees are docile and non-aggressive and pay little attention to human activity. The male bees die after mating, and when young Queens depart, the rest of the colony shortly dies.
Mortar Bees Overview In appearance these bees are not unlike ordinary honey bees, and share the same soft brown and yellow colouration, as opposed to the bright yellow and black of the wasp, which mortar bees are often confused with.
Health Risks Mortar bees are not aggressive, they have a sting but are unable to pierce the human skin and are therefore harmless and more of a nuisance insect. Damage to Property and Reputation Mortar bees, or Masonry bees, burrow into the mortar joints in brick walls and also use crevices in walls. They will lay their eggs in drilled holes in brick and within gaps around windows and doorframes. The natural habitat is earth banks and soft rocks where the female will burrow and build various tunnels where she will lay her eggs. She will only do this once a year.
How We Can Help Quick Tips
Repaint over patches of perished mortar to prevent burrowing. Rake out joints to 15mm in depth and re-point. Insecticides has no lasting effect. Late summer is the best time to do this as bees are dormant, before cold whether sets in. Did You Know
Unlike other bees and wasps, all mortar bees are solitary and do not form the distinct social colonies. However, they may be found in close proximity to one another as they exploit suitable sites for nesting.
Honey Bee (Apis Melifera) Overview Characteristic black and yellow/orange striped abdomen, black head and thorax. Adult workers are 11-15mm long, drones are 15-77mm with no stingers and Queens are 15-20mm with a pointed abdomen and smooth stinger. They are often confused with the appearance of a wasp.
Health Risks They will only sting if they are strongly provoked. Damage to Property and Reputation Minimal. Occasionally honey bees will set up a new home in a chimney, cavity wall, roof or any accessible void. Sometimes a swarm will hang off of tree or other elevated structures.
How We Can Help You Help Yourself Quick Tips
Given the importance of honey bees, we do not recommend carrying out any treatments with pesticides.
Did You Know
Honey bees can be feral (semi-wild) and colonised and they are not usually classed as pests. In the main, they live as colonies in hives and are managed by beekeepers.
