Types of Bees in the UK: What to Know
Bees are undeniably crucial members of our ecosystem, as they pollinate flowers, produce honey, and keep the ecosystem in balance. The problem is that they’re often mistaken for pests in any commercial or residential structure. Their stings are not only terrible, but they also have the potential to cause chaos in your environment. The last thing you want on your home is a bee invasion.
In this article, we’ll go through the four different types of bees to be cautious of in the UK:
Begin with honeybees.
This is a honey-producing bee species. They have two wings, two antennae, and three body segments, and can be seen in a range of colours from brown to nearly black. They are social insects who live in colonies with a single queen, hundreds of drones, and thousands of workers. In the United Kingdom, they aren’t always considered pests, but some can construct homes in uncomfortable places like chimneys and wall cavities. Swarming on or around a tree branch, a fence post, or even an automobile is the most typical sighting.
Bumblebees are a species of bug that flies through the air in swarms.
Because they are rounder, larger, and furrier than other bees, they are difficult to confuse with other bee species. The various colour stripes that extend over the end of their tails also help to recognise them. In terms of environment, they are part of a colony that includes a queen and all female workers. They can be discovered in abandoned rat or rabbit tunnels, bird boxes, under decks, or in a compost bin, among other places. Because they have the ability to sting if threatened, keeping them away of the area is crucial for your safety!
Solitary bees or masonry
As the name implies, they are solitary insects, meaning they prefer to hide and are rarely seen in big groups. Look for reddish-brown bottoms and black bodies if you wish to identify them. They are frequently spotted popping in and out of walls or small holes in the ground because they can establish nests in a variety of niches.
Tree-dwelling bees are number four.
They are a European bumblebee that has recently spread to the UK and Iceland. They have an unique banding on their thorax, which is tawny to reddish-brown, a black abdomen, and a whitetail. A patch of yellowish face fur on the drones’ faces fades over time, distinguishing them. The queen is enormous, whilst the workers are small. The problem is that they are very active when it comes to nesting, and they commonly build nests in bird boxes and other parts of your home.
Conclusion
The four most common bee species found in the United Kingdom are honeybees, bumblebees, solitary or masonry bees, and tree bees. Having an infestation in your home is not ideal, even though they are an integral part of our environment.
Hiring a pest control business in the UK is the best course of action when faced with a pest infestation. These professionals will ensure that the bees are extracted safely and that the hive is relocated wherever possible. Finally, they’ll ensure that your home is pest-free!
Are you in need of bee removal services for your house or place of business? You can rest assured that we’ll be there for you. We have a team of pest control experts in Swindon, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, and Gloucestershire who can assist with pest problems throughout the West Midlands at a reasonable cost. To benefit from our local pest control services, get in touch with us right away!