Please note that the Council run Pest Control service came to an end on Friday 3rd August 2018. We are currently looking into alternative arrangements to provide this service in the future.

Pest Control - Bees

Note: We do not offer a service to deal with bees, this page is to offer advice and information only

• About bees and problems they may cause
• Are they a health hazard?
• What to do if you get a swarm or nest (also: Bee Keepers)
• See also - external websites

About bees and problems they may cause

Bees are not actually considered a pest as they are essential pollinators.

However they may cause a nuisance when they swarm or establish themselves in/on your property.

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Are they a health hazard?

A sting from a bee is not only very painful; it can also cause, for some unfortunate people, anaphylactic shock that can prove fatal.

In the case of anaphylactic shock seek immediate medical assistance, as speed is the essence in such situations.

See also information about:

• NHS website - insect bites and stings
• NHS website - anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock)

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What to do if you get a swarm or nest

Note: Do not approach a swarm or nest.

They will often be removed safely by a bee keeper for a reasonable charge or in some cases for free.

Should you require assistance with a bee problem please contact one of the following Bee Keepers:

• Guy Wheatley: 07875 443 116 or 01903 235499 
  (work number, OK to ring anytime, collects swarms free of charge)
• Micklemus Blackman: 07980 079 101 or email: micklemus@blackmanbeefarm.co.uk
  (he aims to be at site within 30 minutes, is available at all times Monday to Friday, and provides the service for free)
  See also: Blackman Bee Farm on Twitter
• Oliver St. John: 07809 450 666 or email: oliver@oxfordlogic.co.uk
  (collects swarms free of charge)
• David Staples: 07594 552 700

See also:

• Do you have a swarm - information (and details of local swarm collectors) on the British Bee Keepers Association website

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See also - external websites

The following external websites offer more information about bees:

• The Bumble Bee Conservation Trust website
• Bee information - on Wikipedia
• British Beekeepers Association website
• Bee Farmers Association website
• Beebase - the National Bee Unit website
• Bee information on the gov.uk website

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