Bees

Bees are important beneficial insects which are not normally considered as pests. Virtually all bee species are non-aggressive if undisturbed and many cannot sting at all.

Every effort should be made to avoid carrying out control treatments against bees and Broxtowe Borough Council will not treat for bees.

Honey bees can be wild or kept as colonies by beekeepers. Bumble bees do not swarm, are not aggressive and not all (the male drones which hatch in summer) have stings. If the nest is not causing any risk to public health then it should be left alone. Some bees, particularly bumble bees, are rare, do not require any treatment and should be welcomed within gardens. In frosty weather, all but newly fertilised queen bees will die off.

If a honey bee nest has swarmed, a local bee keeper may collect it.

For help in identifying the type of bees in your garden and locating a local beekeeper, please follow the link to the British Beekeepers Association on the right hand side of the page.