Pest Control - Bees

We as a council do not treat against bees. If they are not honey bees and you would like them controlled please call a private pest control company, but note that you will not necessarily receive a treatment if they are not causing any danger as all bees are beneficial to the natural environment.

Swarming bees

Bees do sometime swarm, usually when they are seeking a new place to nest. If you find a swarm during the day, they will normally only stay for a maximum of 48 hours before moving off to find a more protected place to stay.

If they are in a ball, hanging in a bush or tree and are less than 6m from the ground, you can ask a beekeeper to come out and collect them.

To arrange for this you should contact the Swarm Co-ordinator of Petersfield and District Bee Keepers Association (Greg Cumming on 07531 901767).

It is important to call this number as soon as you see the swarm as the beekeepers will wish to come out at any time of day and collect the swarm before it disperses.

If the swarm is high up in a tree, it is not safe to collect and you should leave them and they will disperse in time.

Bees nesting in houses

If you have bees in your chimney/under the soffits/going into the cavity wall/in an awkward place in the attic, you will need to contact a specialist private pest control contractor to assist you. However, during April and May they may be mason bees which will disperse naturally within 2 weeks and which do not sting.

Bees nesting underground

You may spot bees going in and out of the ground through gaps in paving slabs. These are ground nesting bees. They are valuable pollinators and they will not disturb you if you don't disturb them. It is best to leave them alone to carry out their beneficial role in the ecosystem.

If they are a significant problem to you because they restrict your access or are in the way of pets or children, contact a specialist private pest control contractor to assist.

Bumble bees

If you spot bumble bees regularly going into a compost heap, or going into the ground or under a bush - don't disturb them. They will not bother you if left alone and the colony will die down in the autumn.

Other insects that may be mistaken for bees

If you have seen bees going in and out of a papery nest, you have probably seen wasps rather than bees. We do provide a pest control treatment service for wasps.

Find out more about wasps and wasp treatments 

If you have seen very large, smooth and noisy bees they are likely to be hornets. We do provide a treatment service for this pest.

Useful contacts

To find out more information about bees see these websites:

Petersfield and District Bee Keepers Association

Hampshire Beekeepers' Association