Totally Buzzin’ – advice on dealing with wasps and bees
Landlord Focus article, Issue 45
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) share advice on dealing with wasps and bees in rental properties ahead of the summer ‘sting season’
BPCA’s technical manager Natalie Bungay outlines some common problems encountered by landlords, as well as steps to reduce risk, and advice on when to call in the professionals.
Summer is here and with it comes ‘sting season’ – when wasps, bees and hornets are busily buzzing about.
Bees are an essential part of our eco-system and pollinate around a third of everything we eat. There are many types of bees, including honeybees, 25 species of bumblebee and solitary bees which include the ivy bee, red mason bee and tawny mining bee.
The common wasp and German wasp are considered pest species and there are around 9,000 species of wasp in the UK, though most never come into conflict with humans. They are also pollinators although wasps are not as prolific as bees.
European hornets are not a common sight and rarely enter houses – they are not considered aggressive, though they will sting if they feel threatened.
It is also important to note that there are more than 270 species of hoverfly in the UK, and while their markings mimic wasps and bees, hoverflies are harmless and do not sting.
What are the risks?
Wasps, hornets and bees can deliver a painful sting that can cause anaphylaxis – an allergic reaction that can be life threatening, so it is important that
action is taken quickly if a nest or hive is discovered inside a property.
If someone has signs of anaphylaxis, you should call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Wasps tend to nest in sheltered spaces such as under trees, in bushes, in wall cavities, under eaves and in sheds or garages, but nests have also been found in more unusual places, including toilet cisterns and brass instruments.
Wasp nests start off around the size of a golf ball in spring, but by late summer, may have grown quite large and become home to between 3,000-8,000 wasps.
If a wasp is threatened by human presence, it can emit a pheromone that acts as an emergency signal to its fellows in the nest, which can trigger a defensive stinging frenzy.
Wasps are also more likely to sting in late summer when their nest building is complete. They will feast on fermenting fruits which can make them more aggressive. However, they are accidental pollinators and controllers of garden pests, so should only be treated if they pose a risk to public health and safety.
Honeybees are not usually considered to be a pest, but feral swarms have been discovered in chimney pots and wall cavities. In some cases, walls have had to be dismantled to remove the hive, with significant work required to remedy damage caused by honey, which can also attract other pests.
Bees are crucial pollinators and control of bee populations in properties is always a last resort. A pest professional such as a BPCA member will look at alternative solutions to remove the bees safely before considering control methods.
It is important to seek advice from a pest professional who specialises in honeybee removal as it is not enough to remove or control the bees and the products available have become limited in recent years.
It can be tempting to cut corners to save money, however unskilled operators may eradicate the bees but leave the comb and larvae in situ, where they will rot.
A comb that has been treated with pesticide becomes potentially harmful to other insects that may come across it and it must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Wax can also be a dangerous problem if honeybees have set up home in a chimney. The wax can get caught between the liner and the flue. If the temperature within the flue gets high enough, the wax could combust.
A pest professional such as a BPCA member, may work with other trades
to ensure work to chimneys and flues is conducted safely.
Talking to tenants
Tenants are best placed to spot if wasps or bees have moved in, so direct them to this link (A-Z of Pests) for more information, or to the ‘Things that go buzz’ advice sheet here, to help them identify which species is causing the issue.
Depending on the terms of the lease, the tenant may be responsible for some aspects of pest control and the landlord responsible for others.
Sometimes, it is down to the tenant to ensure their daily living activities do not attract pests and for the landlord to ensure that structural issues, such as poor brickwork or uncapped pipes, are tackled to prevent pests getting in.
Whoever is responsible, it is important that action is taken. Working together is the best way to tackle a pest problem, so having a good relationship with your tenant is key.
Why choose a pest professional?
There are many ‘remedies’ and methods online which are not verified and should not be used. Products ordered online should be checked thoroughly to ensure they are legal to use in the UK.
Amateur-use products must be applied with care – always follow the instructions on the pack and ensure the application does not pose a risk to children, animals or other non-target species.
You should not use pesticides if there is no evidence of a pest infestation – this is known as ‘precautionary use’ of pesticides and is a misuse of the product, and therefore a breach of regulations.
Pest professionals have access to a range of products not available to the public and have the knowledge and skill to tackle an infestation safely and efficiently.
They will take a systematic, integrated approach, starting with a thorough survey of the premises before selecting an appropriate treatment.
A pest professional such as a BPCA member will also be able to advise on pest prevention and control, through proofing and maintenance of the building.
Remember that BPCA members:
Have the correct insurance
Are trained and qualified technicians
Are assessed to the British Standard in pest management EN 16636
Follow BPCA’s codes of best practice. //
You can find local, qualified and trusted pest professionals in your area by using the find a pest controller tool on the BPCA website.
It’s important to use someone who is qualified to at least a Level 2 Award in Pest Management and has the correct insurances. BPCA members are also regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636.
Article was published in July 2023, issue 45 of Landlord Focus magazine.
