Gardening enthusiasts in Durham are being encouraged to understand the benefits of bumblebees, how to protect them and when to call for help if a nest is in the wrong place.
Experts at British Pest Control Association (BPCA) warn that a quarter of the UK’s bee species are endangered and recommend seeking expert help to protect both people and these important pollinators.
Rounder, larger and furrier than most bee types, bumblebees are generally easy to identify, and at this time of year will be setting up nests in dry, enclosed spaces with some sort of insulating material in place.
While nests are sometimes found in unexpected places, common sites include abandoned rodent holes underground, under sheds and in compost heaps, or among thick grass, in bird boxes, roof spaces and wall cavities.
There are around 270 species of wild bees, including bumblebees, found in the UK, so accurate identification can be tricky.
Different bees require varying techniques to manage if they set up home in human environments, so consulting an expert is key to ensuring the right steps are taken.
Niall Gallagher is Technical Manager at BPCA. He said: “Most wild bee species are very unlikely to become aggressive. Female bumblebees will only sting if they feel threatened and the males don’t have a sting at all.
“If possible, isolate the small section of the garden where the nest is, especially if the nest is accessible to pets or children, and try to avoid disturbing it.
“Something as simple as placing a potted plant between an exit hole and a garden path can divert the bees’ flight path out of the way.
“If left alone, bumblebees are generally calm and don’t interact with people, so ideally, they can be left to continue pollinating the plants in your garden.
“A fine mesh screen at the window in summer is an easy solution to preventing bumblebees and other insects from accidentally finding their way inside.”
A BPCA member can undertake a survey to identify the bee species and give advice or provide environmental management that will help protect both bees and public health.
Niall added: “Bumblebees are an absolutely crucial part of our ecosystem and as important pollinators, it’s vital we look after them whenever we come across them, especially if you want your garden to fully bloom this year!
“At this time of year, bumblebees, bees, wasps and hornets are all likely to become active again after the winter.
“As all of these insects can look quite similar, so it really is important to ensure correct identification if a nest is found and if there is any doubt at all, we highly recommend getting in touch with a BPCA member for advice.”
BPCA member businesses are endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme as they must carry the correct insurances and are trained and qualified technicians who are assessed to the British Standard in pest management EN 16636 and follow BPCA’s Codes of Best Practice.
To find a BPCA member visit: bpca.org.uk/find.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
