Honeybee (Apis mellifera) The most commonly encountered bee species in urban London. Honeybees live in large, highly organised colonies and are the species most likely to establish a nest inside wall cavities, chimneys, roof spaces, and garden structures. Honeybee swarms are a frequent occurrence in London during spring and early summer as colonies grow and split. Relocation by a qualified beekeeper is always our preferred approach for honeybee colonies.

Bumblebee (Bombus spp.) Bumblebees are large, furry, and generally very docile. They live in smaller colonies than honeybees — typically 50–400 individuals — and nest in compost heaps, garden borders, under decking, in bird boxes, and in loft insulation. Bumblebee nests are seasonal and will naturally die out by late autumn. Wherever possible, we recommend leaving bumblebee nests undisturbed until the colony naturally ends.

Masonry Bee (Osmia spp.) Solitary bees that nest individually in small holes in mortar, brick, and stonework. Masonry bees do not live in colonies and are harmless to humans. However, large numbers nesting in ageing or deteriorating mortar can cause cosmetic damage over time. Repointing affected areas is the most effective long-term solution.

Mining Bee (Andrena spp.) Solitary ground-nesting bees that create small burrows in lawns, flower beds, and sandy soil. Mining bees are harmless, beneficial pollinators and their presence is generally a sign of a healthy garden. Professional treatment is rarely required.

Tree Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) A relatively new species to the UK, tree bumblebees are increasingly common across London and frequently nest in bird boxes, roof soffits, and loft spaces. They can be more defensive than other bumblebee species, particularly around the nest entrance. Nests are seasonal and will naturally end by late summer.

Signs You Have a Bee Problem

• A large swarm of bees clustered on a tree, fence, or wall — typically in spring or early summer
• Bees consistently flying in and out of a specific gap, crack, or hole in your property
• A humming or buzzing sound coming from inside a wall, chimney, or roof space
• Bees entering your property through gaps around windows, doors, or utility pipes
• Honey or wax seeping through walls or ceilings
• Increased bee activity around a specific area of your garden or property
• A visible nest in a compost heap, bird box, under decking, or in garden borders

If you are unsure whether you have a bee, wasp, or hornet problem, contact Pescon — our technicians will identify the species and advise on the most appropriate and responsible course of action.

Our Bee Control & Management Process

🐝 Step 1 — Inspection & Species Identification

Our certified technician visits your property, identifies the bee species, assesses the location and size of the colony or swarm, and determines the most appropriate and responsible management approach. Correct species identification is essential — different bee species require very different responses.

🐝 Step 2 — Tailored Management Plan

Based on our inspection, we recommend the most suitable approach for your specific situation:

Swarm Collection & Relocation For accessible honeybee swarms on trees, fences, and garden structures, we arrange collection and relocation by a qualified local beekeeper wherever possible — giving the colony a new home without causing any harm. This is always our preferred approach for honeybee swarms.

Bumblebee Management For bumblebee nests in accessible locations, we advise on safe management and provide guidance on living alongside the colony until it naturally ends in late autumn. Where a nest poses a direct safety risk, careful relocation may be possible depending on the species and nest location.

Honeybee Colony Removal from Structures For established honeybee colonies inside wall cavities, chimneys, and roof spaces, treatment or removal is often necessary to prevent structural damage and secondary infestations. Our technician will advise on the most appropriate approach, which may involve working alongside a qualified beekeeper for live removal where feasible.

Treatment as a Last Resort Where relocation is not possible and the colony poses a direct and serious safety risk — particularly in high-traffic areas or where occupants have known bee sting allergies — our technician will carry out a controlled treatment using approved insecticides in full compliance with UK wildlife legislation.

Post-Treatment Proofing Following treatment or removal, we seal entry points and advise on proofing measures to prevent future colonies from establishing in the same location.

🐝 Step 3 — Aftercare & Prevention Advice

Our technician provides detailed guidance on deterring future bee activity, sealing potential nesting sites, and managing your garden and property to reduce the likelihood of future swarms or colonies establishing on your premises.