Tree bees are often noticed around bird boxes, soffits and roof edges during warm weather. Their activity can look alarming, especially when males gather around a nest entrance, but intervention is not always necessary. J Alvey Pest Control provides identification advice and treatment where the location creates a practical concern.
Recognising tree bee activity
Common nesting places include bird boxes, roof tiles near guttering, soffits and wall cavities. Activity is often most visible when sunlight warms the entrance. The bees are not usually aggressive unless disturbed, although a busy flight path close to children, pets, neighbours or customers may still need assessment.
Bee and wasp activity can be confused from a distance. Send a clear photograph taken safely from ground level and describe the entrance, height and number of insects. Do not climb, remove a bird box, open the structure or block the entrance.
When leaving the nest may be best
Tree bees are pollinators. If the nest is out of the way and people can avoid the flight path, leaving it for the season may be the most appropriate option. We do not recommend treatment simply because bees are present.
Where activity is causing distress or the nest is in a problem location, we can explain whether treatment is appropriate and what result is realistic. Our broader bee removal and advice page covers other bee situations, including swarms and nests where the species is uncertain.
After treatment
Where treatment is carried out, most standard visits take around 20 minutes. Activity can continue for several days as returning bees reach the treated entrance. Follow the instructions given at the property and keep people and pets away from the flight path. If bees are still entering the nest the following week, contact us so that we can assess the included return terms.
Price and booking
The current Square bee-removal visit is listed at £125. Suitability and final scope depend on identification, height, access and nest location. Include those details before requesting an appointment. If you only need identification advice, contact us first.
Tree bee FAQs
Can I block the entrance after the bees leave?
Do not block an active entrance. Once the activity has finished, appropriate maintenance can be considered separately.
Are tree bees the same as honeybees?
No. Correct identification matters because different bees have different nesting behaviour and options.
What if the insects are wasps?
Use our seasonal wasp-treatment page or contact us with a description.