Every summer we take calls from people who are sure they have a wasp nest, only for it to turn out to be bees. It is an easy mistake to make, but the difference matters, because bees and wasps need to be handled in completely different ways.

 

That is why Biochem Pest Control has been building partnerships with local beekeepers. When a customer finds bees on their property, we can now put them in touch with a beekeeper who can advise on the safest way to remove or relocate them. Antony from our team recently visited one of our beekeeping partners to see his hives and learn more about how swarms are collected and rehomed.

 

Why we do not treat bees

 

Bees are among our most important pollinators, and across the pest control industry treating them is regarded as a last resort. At Biochem we have gone a step further: we do not treat or destroy bees at all. Wherever possible, bees should be safely collected or relocated rather than killed, and that is exactly what our beekeeping partners do.

 

How to tell bees from wasps

 

A quick look from a safe distance usually tells you which one you are dealing with:

 

  • Wasps have smooth, shiny bodies with bright yellow and black stripes and a narrow “waist”. Their nests are grey and papery, made from chewed wood, and are often found in lofts, eaves, sheds, wall cavities or holes in the ground.
  • Honey bees are smaller, brownish and slightly hairy. They live on wax comb, and a swarm usually looks like a large, buzzing cluster hanging from a branch, fence or wall.
  • Bumblebees are large, round and fuzzy, often with white or orange tails. They live in small colonies in places like bird boxes, compost heaps, under decking or in old rodent burrows.
  • Solitary bees, such as mason and mining bees, nest alone in small holes in mortar or lawns. They are harmless and rarely sting.

 

Behaviour is another clue. Late in the summer wasps are drawn to sweet food, drinks and bins, while bees stay busy visiting flowers.

 

What to do if you have bees

 

A honey bee swarm is a colony looking for a new home. Swarms are most common in late spring and early summer and often rest in one spot for a few hours or a couple of days. Keep children and pets away, do not spray or disturb it, and get advice. A local beekeeper may be able to collect it. The British Beekeepers Association also runs a swarm collector service.

 

A bumblebee nest is short lived. The colony dies off naturally by late summer or autumn, and bumblebees are generally docile, so in many cases the best option is simply to leave them alone until then.

 

An established colony inside a wall, chimney or roof is a bigger job and needs specialist advice. Get in touch and we can point you to the right beekeeper.

 

When it is wasps

 

Wasp nests grow quickly through the summer and wasps will defend their nest aggressively, so a nest close to a door, window or play area is best dealt with by a professional. If it turns out you do have wasps, our wasp nest removal service is fast, safe and covers Essex and London.

 

Not sure what you have? Give us a call

 

If you are unsure whether you are dealing with bees or wasps, call our team on 01702 520 060 or 01708 458 416. We will help you identify the insect and, where it is bees, put you in touch with a local beekeeper.

 

Further reading