We Protect Bees Wherever We Can

At JG Pest Control we love bees, and protecting them is something we feel strongly about. People often ask whether bees are a protected species and whether we will destroy a nest. The honest answer is that bees are not a legally protected species in England and Wales - but that is not really the point.

As a responsible pest control company we will not destroy a bee colony except as a genuine last resort, where there is a real risk to people and no other option - for example a nest in a busy doorway, or where someone close by has a serious sting allergy. Wherever we possibly can, we relocate bees or point you to someone who will.

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Honey Bees, Bumblebees and Masonry Bees

Honey bee swarms are best collected and relocated by a beekeeper, so if you have a swarm we will usually point you to a local swarm collector rather than treat it. Bumblebee nests are best left alone where possible - they are gentle, rarely a problem, and the colony dies out naturally at the end of the season. Masonry, or mining, bees in soft brickwork mortar are the one situation where treatment is sometimes justified, and we will talk you through it honestly.

It is also worth knowing that it is illegal to use most off-label or unlicensed insecticides on bees, so shop-bought bee killer sprays can actually land a homeowner in trouble. If in doubt, leave it to the professionals and call us for advice.

What We Do for Bees

  • Protect and relocate bees wherever it is possible
  • Point you to a local beekeeper for honey bee swarms
  • Leave gentle bumblebee nests alone where we can
  • Only ever consider treatment as a genuine last resort

Wasps and Hornets Are Different

  • Wasps and hornets are not protected and can sting repeatedly
  • A single nest can hold thousands of aggressive insects
  • We provide same-day wasp and hornet nest removal
  • Not sure what you have? We will help you identify it

Bee Questions

Bees are not a legally protected species in England and Wales. However, as a responsible pest control company we treat them as something to protect, and we will not destroy a colony unless there is a real risk to people and genuinely no alternative.

We can, but we will not unless there is no other option. Our first step is always to try to relocate the bees or put you in touch with a beekeeper. Destroying a colony is an absolute last resort, reserved for cases where bees pose a serious risk to health and the nest cannot be reached and moved safely.

It is illegal to use most off-label or unlicensed insecticides on bees, so shop-bought bee sprays can put a homeowner on the wrong side of the law as well as harming an important pollinator. The safest and most responsible route is to call a professional for advice rather than treat it yourself.

Bees are generally rounder, furrier and more golden or brown, and they are not interested in your food or drink. Wasps are slimmer, smooth and brightly black and yellow, with a narrow waist, and they are the ones bothering you at a summer picnic. Getting the identification right matters, because we protect bees but do treat wasps and hornets. If you are unsure, send us a photo or call and we will help.

Do not panic, and do not spray it. A swarm is usually honey bees on the move looking for a new home, and it will often move on within a day or two. The best thing to do is call a local beekeeper or swarm collector who will relocate them safely - and if you are not sure who to call, we can point you in the right direction.

Honey bees live in large colonies and produce honey, and their swarms are best relocated by a beekeeper. Bumblebees are the big, round, furry bees in small, gentle colonies that die out naturally each year and are best left alone. Masonry or mining bees burrow into soft mortar and brickwork - they are mostly harmless, but heavy activity in a wall is the one case where treatment is sometimes justified.

We will ask a few questions to work out what you are dealing with, and our advice will always lead with protecting the bees. Often that means a free pointer to a local beekeeper. If it turns out to be wasps or hornets rather than bees, we can arrange same-day removal instead.

Bees, Wasps or Hornets?

Bee Nest Removal → Wasp Nest Removal → Hornets Nest Removal →