In summer we get many calls and questions from people with bees in their houses, outbuildings and gardens.  

There are over 250 types of bees in the UK but there is only one european honey bee (Apis mellifera).  As well as honey bees there are around 24 species of bumblebee and over 240 species of solitary bee in the UK.  Please see below to help identify what type of bee you have and who to approach for help and information.  

If you feel you need to have the bees destroyed please contact a local reputable pest control company.  Bees are endangered but they are not protected.  Click here for the link to the Health & Safety Executive guide to Honey bees and biocides: 

Our volunteers beekeepers can only assist in cases of swarms OF HONEY BEES.

See our page of photos of honeybee swarms

To Jump straight to the Swarm map click here

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STEP 1: Identifying bees

If the insects are not honey bees, this part of the website shows you how to recognise other insects  and  gives some advice on what to do.

Bumblebees

Bumblebees are often confused with honeybees. However they are rounder, larger and furrier and come with a variety of coloured stripes across the end of their tails. Are they in a bird box, under the decking, in the compost? Bumblebees are important pollinators. Leave the nests alone if possible. They will die out at the end of summer and will cause no further problems. Bumblebees rarely sting or attack people or animals and should therefore not be disturbed. There are 24 different types of native bumblebee, all of which vary in size and colour. For more information about bumblebees go to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust website, or the Buzz About Bees website.

Beekeepers are unable to assist in the removal of bumblebees.

Solitary bees

Are there lots of small bees popping in and out of the wall or very small holes in the ground. Do they have a "reddy/brown" bottom? Are they almost black?

These are solitary bees, of which there are over 240 species recorded in the UK and they post no threat or harm to you, your family or pets. Solitary bees are important pollinators and should be left alone. Their numbers will decrease over the summer and their nests should be left alone.  If they are in your lawn or buildings, they may look worrying but they cause no damage.  Again most species only fly for a few weeks, so will probably disappear again within a month. Please leave them alone if you can.

For more information go to The Wildlife Trusts.

Beekeepers are unable to assist in the removal of solitary bees.

For more information on identifying 'What bee is this?' - click here

Wasps

Is it bright yellow with black stripes? Very smooth, mainly yellow with black stripes? Is it in the roof of your house? Are they coming from a round nest in a tree? Is there a nest in the shed? Do they have a high pitched buzz? Are they after all things sweet? Then these are probably wasps.

For more information go to BWARS.

Beekeepers are unable to assist in the removal of wasps.

European Hornets

Are they very big with a loud buzz? Are they black and brown with a hint of orange? Living in the roof or shed? Do they have a very big curved tail? These are European Hornets and are valuable pollinators usually found in wooden areas. 

For more information go to BWARS.

Beekeepers are unable to assist in the removal of hornets.

Asian Hornets

Are they dark brown or black with a velvety body? The queen is up to 30mm long and worker up to 25mm long (smaller than the European counterpart). Are the legs yellow at the ends (the European hornet has brown legs)? Do not disturb an active nest. If you suspect you have found an Asian Hornet please send a photo to [email protected]

For more information click here

Beekeepers can help you identify Asian Hornets.

Mining Bees

Here's a video taken by Gary Hammond of North Herts Beekeepers Association where you can see hundreds of these solitary mining bees flying over a bed of soil where they have made their burrows. Gary says he's been getting calls from the swarm line but gone out to find these mining bees.   Our swarm collectors are unable to assist with mining bees.  

Ivy Mining Bees , not to be confused with honey bees. If this is what you have found, unfortunately, the BBKA cannot help.

If you still cannot identify what bee it is click here for further information.

STEP 2: I still think they're Honey bees

Honey bees are small and vary in colour from golden brown to almost black.  All will form a distinctive cluster when they have settled as a swarm. Honey bees have large hairy eyes, a furry chest or thorax and distinctive bent antennae. 

If you are looking at these then please contact your local Swarm Collector who will provide appropriate help or advice with your honey bee swarm. 

See our page of honeybee swarm photos for more examples

Main image credit: Nilfanion