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Having Problems with Bees?
Q. I have found a nest of bees at my house or in my garden, what should I do?
A. The first question is - are they Bees or Wasps? It might seem a silly question but Honeybees are regularly mistaken for Wasps, some people even think they are the same thing! Most people know what a Bumblebee looks like and and are generally familiar with Wasps. Honeybees
are about the same size as a Wasp. The pictures on the right show the distinct differences.
Species Comparison:
Honeybee |
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Wasp |
| Colour brown / gold to black , lightly striped |
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Definite black and yellow stripes |
| Legs broad and black, often with pollen on broad back legs |
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Legs thin and very yellow |
| Wings flat one over the other when at rest |
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Wings held out and folded up giving the impression of thin wings when at rest |
| Flight strong and purposeful with a strong buzzing sound |
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Less controlled than a honeybee and a soft buzzing sound |
| Generally docile unless provoked |
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Readily agressive! |
Bumblebees on the other hand are much bigger, rounder and visibly furry.
If you suspect a swarm or colony of honeybees has taken up residence, and the nest is causing a nuisance or danger to
you, children or animals, then please call our Local Association Secretary - Alistair Guy on 01506-654968, who will advise you.
Q. I have a nest of bumblebees in the garden and I want rid of them. How do I kill them?
A. Please don't! Bumblebees are one of our wild insects that occur
naturally throughout the country. Unfortunately, due to loss of habitat and the
prevalence of pesticide use, their numbers are decreasing and some species are
already under severe threat of extinction. Bumblebees are rarely in any way
aggresive, and will only sting if you provoke them severely by disturbing the
nest. The nest is seasonal, and dies out naturally once the new generation of
queen bumblebees has been reared towards the end of the summer. The queens go
off to hibernate in a dry hole somewhere, and the remaining workers in the nest
die by the end of October. It will be in order for you to move your shed or
compost heap then. In the meantime, consider yourself lucky and privileged to
have them nesting in your garden, and develop a sense of moral responsibility
in helping protect our natural heritage.
To find out more about Bumble Bees click here
Q. I have a wasps nest in my property, should I get rid of it myself?
A. Please don't! Unless the nest poses a danger to children or pets.
Wasps do a great deal of help in the garden by consuming large numbers of
caterpillars, aphids and other plant pests. It may be safer in fact to leave the nest
alone, unless it is already causing a nuisance. If you MUST get rid of it, use
the services of a qualified Pest Control specialist. Please do NOT use 'DIY'
remedies such as flammable liquids. You will probably fail to remove the nest,
and may end up damaging your home and property.
To find out more about Wasps click here
If you can't find the information you need here, try the forum
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