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Can I spray honeybees to remove them?

In this video, we will explain how to Spray bees legally in the UK and compare its effectiveness to other bee removal options. Also, detailing why this method should be treated as a last resort.

We will also answer common questions like …
Is it legal to spray honey bees in the UK?
Should I spray honeybees?
What will happen to the honeycomb left in the void space?
Can it contaminate my house and other bees?
How long will it take to treat bees?
Can the poison get into the human food chain?
What companies spray bees as a removal method?

Find a certified pest controller – bpca.org.uk

Methods for a colony:

Cut out live bee removal method – https://youtu.be/oESMIMM3zQY
Sealing bees in – https://youtu.be/ck6AK7_i5AM
Spraying bees – https://youtu.be/zKq9Hs2TCns
Smoking bees out – https://youtu.be/5Dk53dzotC4
Trap out – https://youtu.be/PrBuU9nGzaI

Methods for a swarm:
Collecting bees in a box – https://youtu.be/sszYOqoscU8
Bee vac – https://youtu.be/jY9j3RZiMn8

Can I treat honeybees?

Treating honeybees with insecticides should be considered a last resort by pest controllers when addressing a bee problem.

This approach also should not be the immediate solution, as there are alternative methods available. Insecticide use is governed by strict codes of practice, and only certain compounds are legally permissible for treating bees in void spaces. Such treatments should be carried out by certified pest controllers, who can be found through organizations like the British Pest Control Association.

One major drawback of using sprays is their limited effectiveness. While they may eliminate a particular colony, they do not prevent other bees from accessing and foraging on the contaminated comb. Attempts to seal entry points often fail, as bees can find other ways to infiltrate the space.

The use of insecticides poses significant risks. Foraging bees from nearby hives, both from local beekeepers and wild colonies, can transfer the contaminated honey back to their hives. This not only harms the bees but also risks introducing the insecticide into the human food chain if the honey is harvested and consumed. The potential for insecticides to contaminate food, such as when it’s spread on toast, poses a danger to human health.

A case in point involves a customer with bees in her chimney, who, due to a severe bee allergy, sought a quick and economical solution. She opted for insecticide treatment over our suggested method of live removal and comb extraction, which required scaffolding and some structural work. Unfortunately, this decision backfired when the treated bees descended into her living room, resulting in thousands of bees invading her space.

Moreover, this treatment led to secondary issues. Hornets, wasps, and bees from other hives were attracted to the contaminated honey, leading to further infestations and deaths. Eventually, we had to step in to remove the honey, provide scaffolding, repair the building, and bee-proof the area to prevent future incidents. This example underscores the complications and risks associated with using insecticides for bee removal.

August 7, 2024
Press Room

Peter Higgs Profile

Peter grew up in Ewhurst, where he has lived for about twenty-six years. He grew up in a family home where he was brought up by his mum primarily.

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August 7, 2024
FAQ's

Will your insurance pay for bee removal?

Typically insurance companies won’t pay for pest control services. However, we have had insurance companies pay and sometimes in full.

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August 7, 2024
Protecting bees

Bee protection

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