Menu Close

How Dangerous Are Bees & Wasps?

Over 200 types of bees can be found in the UK. Unfortunately, 25% of all UK bees are endangered. While not naturally aggressive to humans, they are an essential part of our ecosystem. 

Bees are not particularly dangerous to humans, they can attack when their nest is threatened or disturbed, but if left alone, they usually do not attack. Bees are not protected, although there is a lot of concern over their decline as bees are natural pollinators needed by gardeners and farmers.

Bees – The Honey Bee

Of the several varieties of bees in the UK, the one known by most people is the Honey Bee. If you think you have a bee colony in your roof space, a disused chimney or gas flue, you might not be keen on having them as house guests. However, before you try and destroy a bee colony, you need professional help to ensure it is done correctly. 

While it is not illegal to kill bees, doing it wrong can bring some hefty fines. Most hives can be relocated, and this is the primary choice. Destroying a nest and killing the bees is complicated and not consistently successful, whereas relocating them is a much better option.

 

Bees – The Bumble Bee

A slightly larger, fluffier bee than the Honey bee, there are 25 species of Bumble Bee in the UK. Some like to nest underground in abandoned burrows, and others prefer to be above ground, under decking, in bird boxes or compost heaps. The nest is usually started by a queen in early spring; by autumn, her young queens and their mates will leave the wasp nest to hide underground until spring. Finally, the old queen and her brood will die. The nest is not reused. Given this life cycle, unless there is a danger to human life, then you will have the company of these fascinating insects for at most a year.

For most people, bee venom is painful and uncomfortable, but for some, it can be fatal as it induces Anaphylactic shock. The best way forward is to educate yourself and your children about bees. Then, leave the bees alone; they will get on with their short lives and not interfere with yours. However, at-risk people should contact a registered pest controller for the best way to remove them. DIY bee removal is not recommended for your sake, the bees and the environment.

 

Wasps Are Dangerous

Wasps do pose a threat; these are territorial, aggressive insects. There are over 30,000 identified species globally. In the UK, we mainly see Common Wasps and German Wasps.

Wasps do not target humans, but they are nuisances around food, picnics, composts etc. If you start waving them off, they could feel threatened and may attack. Another little-known fact is that social wasps can emit a call for help via a pheromone that brings other wasps to the vicinity in attack mode. 

 

While wasp stings are painful, they can also be fatal as they can also induce anaphylaxis in humans.

Homes and businesses do not want wasp nests on their properties, around customers or family members. Especially if any are particularly sensitive to their venom. Calling a pest control expert is the best way to ensure your unwanted house guests are removed safely and effectively. DIY wasp removal can be dangerous and painful and is not recommended.