Bees in Rental Properties: Why Treatment Is Rarely the Right Response

Bees are essential pollinators whose populations are in significant national decline. Because of this, they are not classified as pests, and professional pest control services and local councils will almost never agree to treat them unless there is a direct and unavoidable risk to human safety. Landlords and tenants who discover bees on or near a property should start from the assumption that the appropriate response is to leave them undisturbed and, if necessary, to seek specialist re-homing advice rather than treatment.

Common Species Found Near UK Rental Properties

Honey bees are dark brown with black stripes and are most associated with swarming behaviour, which typically occurs in May or June when worker bees travel with a new queen to establish a second colony. A swarm may land temporarily on a fence post, branch, or wall while scouts search for a permanent nest site. Swarms are generally non-aggressive unless the group is directly threatened, and they typically move on within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. If a swarm remains in a problematic location, a local beekeeper contacted through the British Beekeepers Association can often collect it safely.

Masonry bees and mining bees are solitary species that are smaller than honey bees but stouter than wasps. They nest in sand, earth, lawns, and soft or deteriorating mortar in brickwork. Their stings cannot penetrate human skin and they pose no threat to people. While they can gradually accelerate deterioration of soft mortar if the same areas are used repeatedly, this is a maintenance issue rather than a pest problem. Repointing affected areas after the bees have emerged and moved on, typically in late summer, prevents them from returning to the same spots the following year.

Bumble bees are larger and more colourful than honey bees, with rounded abdomens, and nest at or near ground level under wood piles, sheds, and garden debris. Their nests are active for only one summer season and die off naturally by the end of September. They are non-aggressive and will not sting unless directly handled or the nest entrance is physically disturbed.

Preventing Bees from Nesting in Sensitive Locations

Routine property maintenance is the most effective way to prevent bees from establishing nests in locations that create problems. Gaps around pipes, cables, doors, and windows provide entry points that masonry bees and occasionally bumble bees will use. Repointing deteriorating mortar prevents masonry bees from drilling into brickwork. Air vents and air bricks can be covered with fine zinc gauze, secured firmly, to prevent access to roof and wall voids.

When Action Is Required

If a honey bee swarm lands in a location where it cannot be left undisturbed, the British Beekeepers Association maintains a directory of local swarm collectors who can safely remove and rehome the colony at no cost. This is the correct first call for any honey bee swarm situation.

For bumble bee nests discovered in gardens or under sheds, the correct response is to leave the nest alone for the remainder of the season. The Bumblebee Conservation Trust provides advice on coexisting with nests and can help identify the species. The nest will be empty by autumn and will not be returned to the following year.

Useful Resources

This article reflects our understanding of the law at the time of publication. It is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify against GOV.UK or seek qualified legal advice before acting.