Key Features:
Providers of honey and almost universally viewed with affection by the public, honey bees are one of the most well known insects. Although not dangerous, when provoked many species will sting, causing pain and local irritation. However, some people can be allergic to the sting. Honey bees can only sting once; they die once they have stung.

Biology:
Many species of bee are found in the United Kingdom – some produce honey; some do not. Some live in highly organised colonies; some on their own. Some sting; some do not.

Honey bees are very social insects, living in highly organised colonies made up of the reproductive female, the queen, and her sterile daughters. They collect nectar from plants to produce the honey they use to feed their young.

Distribution:
Honey bees of various types are found throughout tropical and temperate zones.

Significance:
Bees rarely present problems as pests. However, feral swarms can set up home in undesirable places such as chimneys and wall cavities. Bee keepers may be reluctant to take such swarms due to a parasitic mite which many swarms carry.

Control:
Bees are not protected and control is best left to professionals; honey bees have a barbed sting and die once they have used this. However, they will sting when provoked and attempts to kill them will provoke them.

Once the nest has been killed, efforts must be made to remove it or seal it in. The honey within it will attract bees from other hives which may then be poisoned themselves, as well as their nests, by the pesticides used. Insects and mites will also thrive on the honey and dead grubs within the nest and may cause problems.

If you have a problem with bees, Safeguard can help you! Contact us today for more information.