At Pest-Tech Ltd we often get calls to deal with wasps swarming around gutters. Upon arrival I have to deliver the news that they aren’t blighted by wasps but in fact blessed with bees. This blog aims to give a little knowledge that will help you to identify what is causing you concern. There are over two hundred different species of bee in the UK…
Firstly, it is a common misconception that nothing can be done with bees and that they are protected. This is NOT the case. They are endangered and they are of huge importance but they are NOT protected. As such, if they are presenting a danger, necessary action can be taken. It isn’t taken lightly and it isn’t something that we like to do but sometimes a badly located bumblebee nest has to be treated.
If you have a large number of buzzing insects hanging around your gutters looking like they’re not actually doing much other than flying around aimlessly then there’s a good chance that you have bumblebees.
Bumblebees
Big, fluffy bees that come in a variety of colours but tend to all be the same big fluffy shape. At roof height these guys will present you no problems. They exploit gaps under roof tiles or in brickwork to access either loft space or wall cavities where they then build their nest. On a hot sunny day their movements can seem frantic or frenzied but rest assured, there is nothing wrong with them, it’s perfectly normal, the males are showing off to the females. These guys will not attack unless you get very close and they feel threatened. They will only sting you if it is life or death as if they sting, they die so they don’t take this decision lightly. They will not damage your house but WILL do wonders for your garden! After 6-8 weeks they will disappear of their own accord and life will return to normal. In the meantime, grab a beer or G&T, sit in the garden and be mesmerised by their movements.
Honeybees
These guys are the honey makers, brown and black hairs identify them. They flit from plant to plant collecting pollen, taking it back to their hive and make honey from it. If you see these guys they are normally either in a big ball (swarm) which is how they travel and we will collect these or individually foraging for pollen to take back to an established hive. If you see a swarm, stay away from it as while they are swarming these guys are on high alert. If you do have honeybees in your home, they will build honeycomb and produce honey, so it is in your interest to have these guys collected and rehomed wherever possible.
Both of the above species are of HUGE benefit to local ecology so wherever possible we will try to persuade you to spare them.
Wasps
Evil with wings. Nasty, aggressive, will attack and sting you for no reason other than they are passing. They will ruin bbq’s and picnics. These horrible beasts do have a purpose in life in that they are nature’s very own pest controllers, but they are just so aggressive. Easily identified by their bright yellow markings we will happily take care of as many of these as you find. They chew wood (roof rafters, fences etc) to build their nests and they have been known to chew their way through plasterboard in order to gain access to the rest of the house. Generally unpleasant but easily treated.
If you would like help in identifying and managing your Pest-Control problems in Kent this summer please contact Pest-Tech on 01622 296055.