Early Bees
It is quite early in the year for honey bees to be significantly active, but due to the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been experiencing over the past week or so, they have been emerging from their winter torpor. Unlike some insects, bees do not hibernate in the true sense; instead, they remain dormant and become active again when temperatures rise. Typically, you’ll start seeing bees when the weather reaches around 10 degrees Celsius or above. However, with the recent warm spell, we have already received numerous bee removal enquiries.
Many people are suddenly reminded that they had bees last year or the year before and are keen to address the situation before the new bee season is in full swing. This period—before bees become significantly active—is an ideal time to assess and manage potential bee-related issues. At iX5 Pest Control, we specialise in humane bee removals, and we are already dealing with a variety of cases at different stages of progress.
Early Activity and Foraging
At this time of year, honey bees are primarily coming out for cleansing flights, as they do not defecate inside the hive. Additionally, with the first spring flowers such as crocuses now appearing, honey bees are venturing out to forage on warmer days. Over the winter, bees consume their stored food supplies, so they must replenish these resources as soon as flowers start blooming. This increase in foraging activity is also accompanied by queen bees beginning to lay eggs, leading to colony growth. During the winter months, an average honey bee colony consists of around 15,000 bees, but this number can surge to 50,000–60,000 by the height of summer.
Bee Removal Enquiries Already on the Rise
Despite it being early in the year, we have already seen an increase in bee removal enquiries, which we usually expect between April and September. However, with shifting seasonal patterns, our work has started much earlier this year.
Currently, we are dealing with cases of bees in chimneys, including one in Rushden and another near Daventry, as well as infestations in flat roofs. Just this week, we visited a property in Milton Keynes where bees had taken up residence in the pitch of a third-storey flat last year.
What to Do if You Have a Bee Problem
If you suspect that bees are nesting in your property, it is essential to act sooner rather than later. Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem, so rather than extermination, we always recommend professional removal and relocation services. At iX5 Pest Control, we have extensive experience safely removing bees from chimneys, walls, roofs, and other structures without causing harm to the colony.
If you have noticed bee activity in or around your property, don’t wait until summer—get in touch with us now for expert advice and professional bee removal solutions. The earlier the issue is addressed, the easier it is to manage, ensuring both your property and the bees are protected.
Call us on 01604 328545 or email [email protected] to learn more about our services and how we can help with early-season bee removals.