Living with honey bees can present challenges, especially when they establish colonies in areas where their presence is not desirable, such as chimneys, walls, or structural cavities of buildings. In these cases, relocation of the bees is often not feasible without construction work. Furthermore, when a hive is threatened or declining, it can attract robber bees — these are bees from nearby colonies that invade a weak hive to steal honey and resources. They can invade at anytime!

In the UK, while bees are vital for the ecosystem and many are facing decline, no bee species, including honeybees, are protected under UK law. Honeybees can cause severe structural damage especially from the the vast amount of honey stored. The honey can seep into walls and cavities and attract other insects and vermin. If accidentally disturbed attacks are extremely likely.

Extermination is usually considered as a last resort due to the ecological importance of bees and their role in pollination. However, there are certain circumstances in which it may be deemed necessary such as, immediate threat, particularly to those who are vulnerable, high traffic areas, if a honey bee colony becomes infested with pests (like Varroa mites) or diseases that threaten the health of surrounding bee populations and local ecosystems, lack of beekeeper access, funds and so forth. 

It is crucial to understand the wide range of potential issues associated with honey bee colonies. Following extermination, planning for honeycomb removal is essential to mitigate your future risks. Honey attracts many other pests such as rats, mice, wasps and further bee swarms.

Honeycomb Expansion: As bees build honeycomb, the increased weight and volume can compromise the integrity of the chimney structure.

Weight and Pressure: Honey bee hives can become significantly heavy over time. A fully developed honeycomb can weigh between 20 to 60 pounds (9 to 27 kg) or more, depending on the colony size and honey stores. This added weight can exert pressure on walls, ceilings, and floors, potentially causing sagging or structural damage. Additionally, if the hive is not maintained by bees and becomes compromised by pests (e.g., rodents or birds), the honeycomb may drop, further weakening the property's structure. It is advised to plan for hive removal after extermination to mitigate these risks.

Reduced Airflow: Colonies can clog the flue, leading to insufficient ventilation and potentially trapping dangerous combustion gases, such as carbon monoxide, inside the home.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Symptoms include headache, dizziness, and nausea; severe cases may lead to unconsciousness or death. Maintaining obstructed chimneys is critical for safety. Following extermination, planning for honeycomb removal is essential to mitigate your future risks.

• Legal Requirement:

  1. Sealing the entry to a nest post-extermination is mandatory.

We offer a range of additional services which include repair and sealing options.

If you do not engage us for sealing or repair, you are responsible for meeting the legal obligation to seal the entry to a nest post-extermination.

• Implications of Sealing and/ or leaving nests within Chimneys

  • If the nest is within a chimney flue, sealing the chimney pot can have serious implications if the chimney is still in use.
    
    

• You MUST NOT USE THE FIRE until airflow and flue integrity are confirmed safe by a qualified professional. You MUST inform anyone who may seek to use it. This includes, but not limited to, new property owners, new tenants, visitors, workers, residents etc (anyone). Obstruction caused by nests, and honeycomb can clog the flue, leading to insufficient ventilation and reduce proper airflow, potentially causing dangerous combustion gases, smoke and toxic fumes to back up into the property during use.  Gases such as carbon monoxide can cause serious health risks and can potentially be fatal.

• This applies whether or not a temporary or permanent seal is applied to chimneys and vents.

• The property owner must agree to not use the fireplace until airflow and flue integrity are confirmed safe by a qualified professional.
  
  

• Professional Assessment:

  • You MUST not use the fire until a qualified professional assesses airflow and inspects chimney flue integrity concerning honeycomb. There are significant risks to life if harmful gases build up and also risks of fire and death. Amongst other aspects
    
    

  • A chimney sweep may clear the flue; a camera inspection can also provide valuable insights - consult with pest control about this.
    
    

• Coordination for Honeycomb and bee or wasp nest removal:

  • If the chimney pot is temporarily sealed, coordinating with a specialist roofer or builder experienced with removing honeycomb is necessary, in conjunction with pest control. We can sort this with our specialist team,

• You must make poison data sheets available and inform ALL who may come into contact of the risks.
  
  

• Consultation:

  • Always consult with pest control experts for further guidance on these matters. They can also help with preventative measures.

  • Ventilation issues may also arise from sealing air vents or chimney stacks.

Flammable Materials: Honeycomb is highly flammable and can exacerbate chimney fires, potentially spreading flames to other areas of the home. Honeycomb can also fall into the fire, heightening risks.

Flammability of Hive Materials: In the event of a fire, Honeycomb, beeswax and wasp nests can exacerbate flames, especially if the hive is near electrical sources. It is advised to arrange for removal of the honeycomb or wasp nest.

Stings:  if the fire is used or the bees are disturbed there is an Increased risk of multiple stings, potentially life threatening for individuals allergic to bee venom.

Allergens and Irritants: Beeswax and other by-products may negatively impact indoor air quality, triggering allergic reactions or respiratory issues.

Unwanted Visitors: Honey and beeswax can attract ants, wasps, rodents, squirrels amongst many other other pests, leading to compounded infestations and management difficulties.

Thorough cleaning of the area is crucial to remove any residual honey, comb, and pheromones that could attract future infestations.

Buzzing Sounds: The presence of a bee colony can create disruptive buzzing noises, especially in quieter homes. Bee congregation around the entry point will only increase the longer the bees are left as the colony will expand considerably.

Marketability Issues: Properties inhabited by bees or unmaintained honeycomb may deter potential buyers due to concerns over safety, structural integrity, and pest control, reducing property value.

Community Impact: Active bee colonies can disturb neighbouring properties, particularly if aggressive behaviour occurs, causing anxiety among residents, especially vulnerable individuals. They can spread or move onto your neighbours or, visa versa.

Challenging Access: Removing a bee colony from a chimney is complex and may require specialised equipment. DIY attempts can result in structural damage and heightened aggression from the bees and cause the bees to swarm.

Humane Considerations: If removal is necessary, humane relocation is encouraged, given the ecological importance of bees. However, in the event of an extermination the entry to the nest MUST be sealed. It is highly advised to plan for the removal of the honeycomb to mitigate associated risks.

Do Not Touch

WARNING: This area has been treated with pest control chemicals that may be harmful. Please observe the following precautions:

• Do Not Touch: Avoid direct contact with treated surfaces or areas.

• Keep Children and Pets Away: Ensure that children and pets do not enter treated areas.

• Ventilation Required: If this area is indoors, ensure proper ventilation for at least [insert time frame] after treatment.

• Follow All Safety Instructions: Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for precautions and recommended personal protective equipment.

• Health Risks: Exposure to pest control chemicals can pose health risks. If contact occurs, seek medical attention immediately.

Stay safe and do not enter until the area is deemed safe by a professional!