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Honey Bees

General Information

  • forms nest colonies in chimneys, roofs, wall cavities, trees and bushes
  • each colony has one queen
  • if rival queen hatches, old queen will form swarm in May-June
  • new colony formed where swarm settles
  • workers are very active foraging over a wide area
  • mainly feed on pollen but can be attracted by sweet substances
  • colonies survive for many years
  • colonies have “honeycomb” structure – not usually visible but noticeable pungent honey-like smell
  • NHS Direct information on treating stings

Significance

  • painful sting
  • swarms can be dangerous if disturbed
  • can be a nuisance if close to or within a building
  • are beneficial to nature by pollinating flowers

Preventative Treatment

FoodAccessHarbourage (ie possible nest sites)
no realistic preventative measuresno realistic preventative measuresno realistic preventative measures

Conditions of Service by Stirling Council

  • there is a charge of £32 for treating a colony
  • there is no charge for dealing with a swarm
  • where access is restricted due to height or location then treatment may not be possible
  • established colonies may be difficult to eradicate
  • the remains of the nest will not usually be removed after treatment
  • remedial action by a builder may be recommended to prevent possible future re-colonisation
  • in the absence of a colony or a swarm, no action will be taken where Honey Bees are simply being attracted to particular plants in the garden e.g. Cottoneaster

Cost of Treatment (until 31 March 2009)

  • for colonies - £32 (includes repeat visits where necessary)
  • for swarms – no charge

Concessions

see our concessions page for more details