Pest Control Fact Sheets
Bees
There are 3 main types of bees:
Honeybees
Do not hibernate in the winter although they slow down and become inactive. They produce honey and store it in wax comb and use the same hive from 1 year to the next. They are slightly smaller than Bumblebees and live in larger colonies.
Bumblebees
Only the queen hibernates and survives the winter. Bumblebees do make a small amount of honey (no more than a tablespoon at any time), which they store in a special cup like cell. They normally only use their nest for 1 season, but do occasionally return to the same nest the following year.
Miner Bees
Normally the first bee to be seen in Spring. They do not sting as their stinger cannot pierce human skin. They nest by burrowing into the ground.
Facts about bees
- Generally bees will not attack humans, unless their life is under threat. If a bee comes near you, do not wave your arms around wildly. Stand quietly and once the bee smells you are not a flower, they will move gently away
- Bumblebees do not lose their sting and die if they use it, where as Honeybees do. However, Drone Bumblebees (smaller male bees) do not sting at all. When the drone Bumblebees hatch in mid summer the sudden increase in bee numbers can frighten people who are nervous about insects
Service we provide
- We do not recommend treatment as bees are harmless and are not a pest or threat
- If it is absolutely necessary, our Pest Control officers will try to remove the nest, or spray a powder to kill the colony
Charges
For information about charges please contact Barking and Dagenham Direct.
Methods of Payment
- Cash - the exact amount as no change can be given
- Cheque - supported by a Cheque Guarantee Card
- Credit Card - by telephone when booking the appointment
Important: If you are paying by cash and do not have the exact amount, please note that treatment will not be carried out.
Please note: We require 24 hours notice to cancel an appointment. If you fail to keep an appointment and do not notify us at least 24 hours before, a £10 fee will be incurred. No further service will be provided until this fee has been paid.
How to contact us
If you would like further advice or need to make a pest control appointment please contact Barking and Dagenham Direct at the address shown.
Fact sheet
This information is also available as a downloadable document.
Bees 
PDF 63K
To view PDF files requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
