Bees at Bishton Village Hall
Published: 16 September 2019
In the summer of 2018 Honey Bees found a new home under the eaves of Bishton Village Hall. Honey bees are a wild, harmless insect that will only become aggressive when provoked. Honey Bees build their nest out of wax, in a honeycomb formation, whereas other stinging insects tend to construct their nest out of wood, fibre or mud.
In nature, bees act as nature's pollinators which enables fruit and vegetable plants to bear fruit and flowers to blossom. They gather pollen to produce honey as food to feed their queen and the rest of the colony. Unfortunately, Honey Bees are in decline in the UK, and also across Europe, and measures should be taken to preserve nests where possible.
Honey Bee honeycomb food store behind Bishton Village Hall facia board.
This year their nest was discovered by wild wasps which raid Honey Bee nests for their food. Whilst Honey Bees are not a problem, wasps are, being more aggressive and will sting for a variety of reasons. Because of this, it was decided to have the nest removed.
We contacted a local Bee Keeper for advice. The Bee Keeper removed the facia board where it was thought the nest was located but instead discovered the honeycomb food store. Unfortunately, because of the location of the nest further under the roof it was not possible to gain access to remove the Queen Bee. It was therefore decided that the nest had to be destroyed.
Honeycomb being removed prior to destroying the nest
The honeycomb was removed (it would rot and smell if left in place), the facia board replaced and sealed, the nest poisoned by a Pest Control expert and the entry area sealed to prevent further access.