For honeybee swarms, we’ll put you in touch with a local beekeeper or swarm collector, who can often collect the swarm safely and give the bees a new home. Established honeybee colonies inside walls or chimneys are more complex. Removing one can involve opening up the structure, so we’ll advise you on the best route, which may involve a specialist beekeeper.
For bumblebees and tree bumblebees, our advice is usually to leave the nest alone if it’s not causing a direct risk. It will die off naturally within weeks. Where a nest is in a genuinely dangerous spot, we can advise on relocation options.
For solitary bees, no treatment is needed. Repointing worn mortar in autumn, once the bees have finished nesting, will stop them using the same spot next year.
We only consider treating bees in exceptional circumstances, for example where there’s a serious risk to someone with a severe allergy and no other safe option. Any treatment follows industry guidance, including sealing the nest afterwards so other bees can’t reach it.