Bees
Honey Bees
Honey bees are easily distinguished from wasps, being finely banded in orange and brown, with brown and furry strong hind legs, compared with the yellow shiny and slender legs of wasps. Originally honey bees probably built their colonies in hollow trees, but nowadays a wild swarm may well establish itself in a cavity wall, provided there is suitable access.
Honey bees feed on nectar and are not normally considered a pest, only stinging under extreme provocation.
Bumble Bees
Most people can recognise these large furry bees, considerably larger than the honey bee and frequently with the top of the abdomen coloured brightly in ochre yellow or a rich tawny brown.
Usually the nests are produced in holes in trees, or possible by excavating in soft or sandy earth. Bumble bees like honey bees feed on nectar, and are not normally considered a pest. They can of course string but only do so when seriously provoked.
The Honey Bee and Bumble Bee are rapidly declining in numbers. A mite is killing the honey bee and it is thought that changing agricultural practices are killing off the Bumble Bee. Both these bees are good for the environment and it is Council policy not to treat for these bees.
Solitary Bees
Mining Bees
Found in gardens, apparent by a large number of ‘bore-like’ holes in soil early on in the year. The bees live as an individual and the holes will go down approx 15cm and contain their larvae. They are beneficial and are not able to sting.
Masonry Bees
Similar to above but use small cracks/faults in brickwork. They cannot damage/bore into modern mortar. Again, there is very little treatment that can be done, as they are solitary and will disappear before summer.
Swarms
A Beekeeper may be the best option to collect swarms. Their members will only collect bees from accessible places and a charge may be made to cover their expenses.
Further information
Further information on bees and their removal can be obtained from:
- http://www.bbka.org.uk/ (British Beekeepers Association)
- www.swarms.net/
If you would like further information on any of the above, or wish to discuss it, please contact us by email at regulatory@fareham.gov.uk or telephone us on 01329 236100.
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