We are getting a lot of calls as the moment from people saying they have a wasp nest or wasp problem, but just to put your mind at rest, it is a bit too early at the moment. What you are almost certainly seeing is either honey bees or masonry bees.

Bees are very active at the moment, they have been in hibernation and now with the glorious weather and the abundance of flowers – particularly tree blossom – they are busy  replenishing the nest reserves, feeding the queen and warming up.

Most people have probably never heard of a masonry bee so here’s what to look for:

Masonry Bee

Image from Wikipedia

Masonry bees are normally in small groups or solitary, however they can look a little bit like wasps – particularly in the way they behave. They generally nest year after year in the same places, mostly in holes in brickwork. They do make these holes deeper and can sometimes get into the wall cavity, causing some structural damage over a number of years. They are pretty harmless, do not sting unless really provoked and only last a month or so before disappearing again.

Honey bees are also very active, but will pretty much concentrate on preparing to swarm after the new queens once they emerge.

Unless either species is causing major health or safety issues, our advice is to leave them alone for now and see how this work out over a few weeks – generally the problem goes away or becomes less of an issue, so we don’t very often destroy them.

Bees of all types are hugely beneficial to the garden so it is a last resort to have to take action. Wasps on the other hand, whilst offering some use to gardeners, need to be controlled as they are a risk to health and can be very aggressive towards people.

If you do have a problem and suspect a wasp nest, please call us so we can offer advice on Newbury 01635 247192 or email us on help@rapid-pest-control.co.uk for your wasp nest removal

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