Stafford Borough Council does not treat for bees. When our officers are called to a swarm they will assess the situation and if necessary, a qualified bee keeper will be contacted. 

Pollinating insects and Honey Bees in particular are under significant environmental pressure. Honey bees are probably Britain’s most important crop pollinators. Each active hive can contain tens of thousands of bees and each bee visits thousands of plants in a day. However, a bee colony is vulnerable because it is dependent upon one queen and disease can spread quickly throughout a weakened hive.

The Bee problem

Our Pest Control Service has always done all it can to protect and preserve all bee colonies that are having an impact in homes and vulnerable establishments such as schools. Often bumble bee colonies are removed to another location.

Honey bees produce huge swarms as rival queens move on to new sites. The swarms can be huge with perhaps 10,000 bees travelling with a single purpose to find a new base.

Members of the public and organisations often report to us such swarms that can cause huge disruption and distress for those affected when they land.

Handling bee swarms is a skilful operation, and is one that requires considerable nerve and resource. Unfortunately some individuals that are affected by a swarm will try to deal with it themselves using chemicals with disastrous effects for the bees.