How to identify bees
There are around 250 different species of bee throughout the UK. There are 24 species of Bumble Bee, around 225 species of Solitary Bee and just a single species of Honey Bee. Most bees have short thick bodies covered with hair, 6 legs, 2 sets of wings, and 3 body parts consisting of the head, thorax and abdomen. Honey Bees are similar in size and appearance to wasps, although are usually much darker in colour and have a fluffy thorax. Bumble Bees are black, round and very fluffy. There are many species of Bumble Bee, varying in size and colouration. Other bees that are often seen include Masonry and Mining Bees which are similar in appearance to the Honey Bee.
Signs of a bees nest
One of the most obvious signs that a bees nest is present is a high number of bees in the area. Wild Honey Bees will nest in hollow trees, chimneys, wall cavities and roof spaces. As the nest grows bees can be seen frequently flying in and out of the nest area. A fully grown bee colony can contain in excess of 50,000 bees. Solitary Bees prefer to nest in sandy soil, soft mortar and domestic air bricks. Although they live alone, it often appears that they may live in colonies but this is due to many bees making their nests close to each other. Bumble Bees nest in holes in the ground, small wall cavities, under sheds or in undisturbed compost heaps. Bumble Bees only make a small colony of around 100-400 bees.
