As we head into spring, we can soon expect warmer weather and the fresh smell of newly cut grass - and with that comes the increasing population of bees.
There is no doubt spring is in full swing when you notice bees buzzing around the garden producing honey and pollinating our plants. Despite their importance, sometimes bees can prove to be a nuisance - especially if they get into your home through an open door or window.
Bees can infiltrate your home through open doors and windows, through room vents, every day holes and down chimneys and although, they can sometimes turn hostile quickly in an aggressive situation. But, for the most part, bee stings will not pose a health risk unless attacking in a swam or those with allergies.
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Parts of the UK have experienced some stunning weather recently, with temperatures reaching as high as 20C, which of course means the increase of bees. For some people, the first reaction upon discovering a bee trapped indoors is to, sadly, crush it with a rolled up newspaper or to kill it with bug spray. But, Fantastic Pest Control has shared some advice for those wishing to remove bees from their home in a safe way.
This includes creating an exit by opening windows and doors to allow the bee to find its own way out or by trapping it in a glass and depositing it outside a small distance away. Another option is to put some sugar water in a jar, one part sugar to three parts water and allow a big enough hole for the bee to crawl through. Once in it can be taken outside and released.
Natural repellents could also come in useful. Bees are attracted by sweet-smelling nectar and so can be repelled by smells such as garlic, cucumber peels, peppermint plants, vanilla mixed with baby oil or cinnamon.
What if you spot a swam of bees?
In the UK, it is rare to be attacked by swarming bees, if you spot a swarm in the early stages of formation with a lot of bees flying about, the tip is to keep clear and watch. Eventually, the swarm will move to a new home within 24 to 48-hours, but if it does need to be removed, you should contact a local beekeeper.
How to help a bee in need?
It is best to allow the bee to remain outside where it can access nectar and pollen from plants. Some people think leaving a bee sugared water will help give it a boost of energy when it becomes tired, which is the advice often shared.
A Facebook post claiming to be from Sir David Attenborough previously urged people to leave sugar water out for struggling and tired bees but it had been outed as a fake. However the BBC was forced to step in and confirm the advice did not come from Sir David Attenborough - and it could even cause harm to the already-waning bee population, GloucestershireLive reported.
The bees that discover the sugar water are likely to go back to the hive and recruit more bees to come to the source of easy food and this quick-fix for the bees can actually be devastating for the hive. Where a teaspoon of sugar can help revive a single collapsed bee, by leaving a readily available sugar water solution is the equivalent of mass feeding the insects junk food.
It is a short term solution for the bee when what they really need is nectar. So, people can help bees by planting flowers all year round.
