FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that we often receive.

Q: The two most commonly asked questions of any beekeeper must be “Do you get stung?” and “Does it hurt?”

A: The answers are yes to both.
Having said this, stings are not common and modern protective clothing minimises the number you are likely to get. With experience most beekeepers are able to read the signs of when to leave colonies alone such as during inclement weather.

Q: I have bees in my roof or in a bird box. What can I do?

A: These are most likely to be Bumblebees
If they are in the eaves of a house or the bird box is high up on a wall or in a tree, there is no cause for alarm.
The bees you see hovering around the entrance are likely male bees and they cannot sting.

Tree Bumblebees have become widespread in the area in recent years and will often nest in bird boxes. Tree Bumblebees will only become defensive and sting if they are disturbed by strong vibrations to their home. E.G. drilling a hole with a power drill within a few feet of the nest.
If the bees are at low level e.g. head height or in a door frame then you may need to contact a pest controller as continually walking by the entrance will cause defensive behaviour in the bees and could result in stinging.

Beekeepers usually only collect swarms of Honeybees but some may be prepared to relocate bumblebees in bird boxes.

For more information about Tree Bumblebees and how to identify them go to our Swarm page.

If you have a question about bees or beekeeping that is not answered here, please send us an e-mail to the secretary from our Contact Us page

We will publish the answer on this page as an FAQ when we can.