Bees in East Sussex

There are a few different species of bees. Very few bees in the United Kingdom are dangerous, however some can cause a nuisance if they nest near to doorways or windows. While bees are not protected, they are endangered. Bees are a important part of the local ecosystem and so shouldn’t be relocated or eradicated unless it is absolutely necessary.

Bees rarely present a serious risk. However, they can swarm or nest and this behaviour can be disruptive, particularly when they nest in a roof or wall cavity. The best course of action is often to simply leave the nest alone, as bees don’t have an extended life cycle. At the point where nests are the most noticeable, it is normally because the bees are getting ready to move on.

If you have a swarm or nest of bees that you need to have relocated, it’s best to contact a beekeeper who will be able to come and safely gather the bees. They could take them off to their own site, or be able to move the nest to a nearby area that is less disruptive. The British Beekeepers Association are a charitable organisation that establish standards for trained beekeepers.