Bees

PreventaPest bee pest control advice for homes and businesses

Bees are important pollinators and most bee activity around a property does not require eradication. The right response depends on what you have found: a temporary swarm, a honey bee colony, a bumblebee nest or solitary bees using holes in masonry or soil.

Identify the situation before taking action

A cluster of bees resting on a branch, wall or fence may be a swarm that is looking for a new nesting site. It may move on, but it should still be kept away from children, pets and busy entrances. Bees repeatedly entering a hole in a wall, roof, chimney or other cavity may indicate an established colony and needs specialist advice.

Solitary bees do not live in the same large colonies as honey bees. They may use existing holes and can be active for a limited period. Bumblebees also have a seasonal lifecycle, so a nest is not automatically a reason to treat it.

What to do if bees are present

• Keep people and pets away from the flight path and do not block the entrance.
• Do not spray, smoke, disturb or seal a suspected nest yourself.
• Do not knock down a swarm or try to move a colony without the right equipment and advice.
• Take a photograph from a safe distance only if it can be done without disturbing the bees.
• Contact a local beekeeper, specialist bee remover or pest professional who can identify the species and explain the options.

When treatment may be needed

Relocation may be possible in some situations, particularly where the colony can be accessed safely. A difficult cavity, chimney or roof-space job needs a proper survey before anyone promises a method or price. If the location presents a genuine risk to people, keep the area clear and seek urgent professional advice.

Where a nest is left in place, prevention may involve repairing gaps after the bees have gone and only once a professional has confirmed that doing so will not trap insects inside the building.

Concerned about bees?

Tell us where the bees are, whether they are entering a cavity and how long they have been present. We can help you decide what kind of specialist advice is appropriate.

Related PreventaPest service: Learn more about our pest control services across South Wales.