White tailed Bumblebee

As the calls for help regarding Bees and Wasps are starting to increase, it is a good idea to look into what Bees are likely to be doing during the coming year.

Spring

Species of Solitary Bees are emerging from their respective holes and in some cases, causing alarm, because they are being mistaken for Wasps. Nesting areas can include holes in loose mortars of buildings and walls or from areas of short, mown grass, whilst others prefer bare soil.

As temperatures rise, Honeybees will be seen more frequently as they collect pollen for local hives.

Tree Bumblebee

Single Bumblebees can be seen foraging early in the mornings.

Summer

Higher temperatures are more constant and the heat rises in local hives resulting in bee swarms consisting of a new queen and several thousand workers who “break off” from the hive in search of new homes for colonies.

The activity with other bees increases as they feed on nectar and pollen to increase strength levels and male Bumblebees along with queens are seen more frequently.

Autumn

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

All too soon as summer comes to an end, old Bumblebee colonies will die off and recently mated Queens will disperse to find places to hibernate including holes in the ground, old bird boxes, under leaves or thick tufts of grass or compost heaps and under log piles.

If a sunny day appears, some species will come out to feed including the Honeybee and some species of Solitary bees.

Winter

Most Bees will lay low, but if a rare sunny day appears with mild temperatures, Honeybees may venture out along with the hardy Bumble bee Queens. Bumble bees are furry and this allows them to remain active in colder weather. Solitary bees will remain in hibernation.

Summary

Bees are very important for the pollination of plants and crops and with a lot of the countryside declining, gardens are becoming the focus of attention and the key to Bee survival is the diversity of flowers that are grown to provide food all year round.

Red Tailed Bumblebee

Bees native to the United Kingdom are usually harmless, but there are always exceptions and when approaching any insect of this type, caution is always advised. If in doubt always seek advice, as one thing is certain, if it is Wasps, they will sting if threatened and with possible fatal results.

If you need some advice or have a problem with Bees or Wasps or you need help with Wasp control or Wasp removal or Wasp treatment in and around Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, Verwood or any BH postcode area call

No-Nonsense Pest Control : 01202 523469 or 07708                                                                                   

or e-mail   nononsensepestcontrol@yahoo.co.uk

Red Tailed Bumblebee

Honey Bees

Honey Bee swarm

Honey Bee

Solitary Bee

Queen Wasp

With the warmer weather that is now with us, the calls for help regarding Bees and Wasps have dramatically increased over the past couple of weeks and are likely to continue until the end of the season. With many different types of insects involved identification can be confusing, so here is a little help!

White tailed Bumblebee

Bumble Bee

Tawney Mining Bee

There are 24 species of Bumble Bees in the United Kingdom and 225 species of solitary bees, but only 1 species of Honey Bee. There are also 8 species of Wasps. Confused?

The general rule is to leave alone until you are sure what you are dealing with and the safest way is to call for professional help

Wasp

Hornets

If you suspect you have a problem with any of the insects above beware, some can deliver a painful sting, especially wasps and Hornets.

If you have a problem with  Wasps Bees or Hornets, or you need help with Wasp control or Wasp removal, Wasp nest treatment or are just unsure of what to do and need some form of pest control or pest prevention and live in and around Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, Verwood or any BH postcode area  call:

No-Nonsense Pest Control : 01202 523469 or 07708 944620 

or e-mail nononsensepestcontrol@yahoo.co.uk

Bumble Bee

Calls are literally flooding in for wasps and bees at the moment, the “season” is in full swing with multiple conflictions between man and insects!

The majority of calls at the moment are for Bumble Bees which are invading properties of all types from houses, mobile homes, caravans, sheds and even bird boxes!

Bumble Bees are not really classed as a pest and are in fact a useful commodity, as they pollinate plants and flowers. In most cases that I have seen lately, they are White-Tailed Bumble Bees and most have been picking vulnerable locations at higher levels. When they enter a property via a small or large hole, the nest can be anywhere within a three metre radius making it nearly impossible to predict the exact location. If left alone, they will live in harmony as long as they are left un-disturbed and pose no threat. It is at lower levels that nests can cause problems.

Not to be outdone, Honey Bees are swarming and they can introduce all sorts of problems for householders or tenants if they decide to inhabit critical areas of a property. If left to their own devices, a Honey Bee swarm may move on within 48 hours, if not and they establish a suitable resting place, then the end result could be damage from honey seepage costing large amounts of money to repair.

Honey Bees

Finally Wasps are once more building nests at a rapid pace in properties, outbuildings, gardens, bushes and trees. Wasp nests can “pop up” within hours and quickly grow in size unseen, until a fateful encounter which at best, could lead to painful stings, or at worst, death in extreme cases.

It is important not to delay getting professional advice and treatment, leaving a minor problem for too long could result in a major disaster.

Should you need help to deal with a wasp nest or need wasp control or wasp removal in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, Verwood or any BH postcode area contact:

No-Nonsense Pest Control 01202 523469 or 07708 944620

or e-mail nononsensepestcontrol@yahoo.co.uk

For those people lucky enough to have a garden, now is the time to experience some unusual occurrences that only happen this time of the year, but the conditions have to be just right!

If you have sandy based soil and short grass with a sunny outlook, you may notice small holes appearing in the ground and insects busily excavating. It may be a couple, or hundreds depending on the location and the culprit is the Ivy Bee.

The Ivy Bee is a solitary bee and is the last to emerge in the year, normally mid to late September until November. Once mated, the female digs a burrow in loose sand or earth, in which are underground chambers which will contain several eggs and pollen for the larvae to feed on once the eggs have hatched. The female will die after a few weeks but the larvae will hatch and become adult bees to emerge in the late autumn. Although solitary by name, many females will dig burrows close together and numbers can reach several hundred. Nest sites are governed by a suitable location and food source being available and this is flowering ivy.

Flowering Ivy provides a rich source of pollen for many insects and will attract large numbers of different insects and large numbers can be reached at any one time. Ivy Bees use ivy as their main food source but are in competition with wasps, bees, flies, hoverflies, hornets and butterflies, to name but a few. If the sun shines and the flowers bloom be prepared for a feeding frenzy to occur!

If you have a problem with  Ants, Fleas, Rats, Mice, Squirrels, Birds, Rabbits,  Wasps or you need help with Wasp control or Wasp removal, moles or need mole control or mole removal or pest prevention or have a pest control problem in and around Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, Verwood or any BH postcode area  call:

No-Nonsense Pest Control :  01202 523469 or 07708 944620

or  e-mail    nononsensepestcontrol@yahoo.co.uk

A simple question, but one that is often asked too late!

Do you have unseen holes or gaps behind kitchen units or heavy furniture? Are there any strange openings in woodwork or walls? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you could have a problem. It could be they have been created by visiting rodents in search of food and lodgings and if this is the case, prompt action will be required.

Is the temperature always at a high setting? If yes, consider what else enjoys warm environments. Rodents and insects enjoy a warm climate as well as humans.

Is there food in your cupboards that has been there too long or is showing signs of age? If yes, consider disposing of it as it could become a good food source for insects or rodents.

Is food left out in the open between meals? Bread, fruit, biscuits, even cake are very attractive food sources for a variety of pests.

Does the washing up or waste food containers get left discarded for longer than necessary periods of time? Again, a very quick source of food and one that can quickly lead to cross infection, especially if cups are re-used without washing first.

Are there any visible signs of droppings? If yes, then hygiene becomes a number one priority.

Do you keep hearing strange noises or scratching in the property? It might NOT be the plumbing, but COULD be rodents, birds or even insects, wasps and bees can be very noisy in a cavity wall.

In all cases it is very important to get help fast to prevent any further costly damage or distress.

If you have a problem with  Ants, Fleas,  Rats, Mice, Squirrels, Birds, Moles, Rabbits, Wasps or you need help with Wasp control or Wasp removal, Mole control or Mole removal, pest prevention or have a rodent or pest control problem in and around Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, Verwood or any BH postcode area  call:

No-Nonsense Pest Control: 01202 523469 or 07708 944620

Or e-mail    nononsensepestcontrol@yahoo.co.uk

The collection of pictures below can be used to help identify what insect you have come into contact with:

Bumblebees – Larger than the honeybee and other bees, always furry, the common ones usually have tails that are either white, red, buff or brown and some have yellow bands.

White tailed Bumblebee

Red Tailed Bumblebee

Tree Bumblebee

Bumble Bee

Honeybee and solitary bees – Smaller than bumblebees, they can vary in colour from all-black to orange bands – can easily be mistaken for wasps.

Honey Bee

Honey Bee swarm

Honey Bee

Hoverflies and other flies – They usually have large eyes, have one pair of wings (other insects have two pairs).

Mimic Hornet Hoverfly

fly

Bluebottle

Wasps – Most wasps are bright yellow and black banded with yellow on their face and legs.

Wasp

wasp

wasp

Wasps

Hornet – Normally larger than a wasp and are yellow and brown banded.

Hornets

Impression of European Hornet body

European Hornet

Impression of Asian Hornet body

These pictures are a guide only and if in any doubt, then leave well alone and call professional help.

Should you need help to deal with a wasp nest or need wasp control or wasp removal, or have a problem with hornets in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, Verwood or any BH postcode area contact:

No-Nonsense Pest Control: 01202 523469 or 07708 944620

or e-mail nononsensepestcontrol@yahoo.co.uk

Ferndown in Dorset is located north of Poole and Bournemouth and the parish includes Hampreston, Longham, Stapehill and Tricketts Cross and in terms of population, is the fifth largest town in Dorset.

The town is surrounded by a mix of woodlands, open countryside and heathlands and on the borders are the Moors river and the river Stour. It also has one of the largest industrial estates in the area which is still being expanded. Several golf courses and various other sporting facilities exist along with several schools and a central shopping area.

There are lots of open spaces where nature meets man and this can cause problems with pests entering properties or merely visiting. Where commercial buildings or domestic properties back onto green areas, the lack of physical barriers mean many animals can freely roam in search of food and lodging.

Insects, including wasps, bees and hornets will certainly take advantage of the local terrain and can often end up as unwanted intruders inside properties. Ants will venture out from heathland areas and quickly establish colonies elsewhere.

Rodents, including rats, mice and squirrels are masters of adapting to living alongside human occupants, often with damaging results. With large areas of open grass, moles will certainly find suitable feeding areas, leaving behind molehills!

As with most areas, foxes will certainly be on the prowl, both for food and accommodation.

In most cases, man can live with nature successfully, however if certain animals gain the advantage, action to solve the problem will be needed.

If you have a problem with Ants, Fleas, Rats, Mice, Rabbits, Squirrels, Birds, Moles, Wasps or you need help with Wasp control or Wasp removal, Mole control or Mole removal or pest prevention or have a pest control problem in and around Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, Verwood or any BH postcode area call:

No-Nonsense Pest Control : 01202 523469 or 07708 944620

or e-mail nononsensepestcontrol@yahoo.co.uk

When you go outside, it may be unusually warm but do not be fooled, Autumn is here!
The trees are rapidly changing in colour and the leaves are falling. All around there is frantic activity, with many insects and animals getting prepared for the inevitable colder weather that is just around the corner. Wasps and bees are still active feeding and along with other insects, are descending in large numbers on the flowering ivy that is currently in bloom. Calls for wasps nests are still coming in for treatment, both outside and inside properties and could continue for a while yet, depending on the weather.
Rodents, including rats, mice and squirrels are in abundance and busy setting up new homes with conflicts happening on a daily basis. Any “soft“ targets are quickly being taken advantage of and once established in or around a property, expense and misery are likely to follow.
Moles are certainly very active as the weather has favoured their favourite food of worms and many previously untouched locations are falling victim to their endless tunnelling and molehills.
With plenty of food sources available, foxes are on the increase and this in turn can lead to an increase in the numbers of fleas being transmitted to domestic pets causing more grief to property owners.
Many birds have now migrated and have left their nest sites and this leaves spiders free to roam around and invade properties at will.
Basic maintenance can stave off pest invasions in properties, but some other pests will require professional treatment.
If you have a problem with Ants, Fleas, Rats, Mice, Squirrels, Birds, Rabbits, Wasps or you need help with Wasp control or Wasp removal, moles or need mole control or mole removal or pest prevention or have a pest control problem in and around Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, Verwood or any BH postcode area call:
No-Nonsense Pest Control : 01202 523469 or 07708 944620
or e-mail nononsensepestcontrol@yahoo.co.uk

Verwood is a town and parish found in Dorset and is situated 5 miles north west of Ringwood in Hampshire.

The local river is called the Crane which eventually becomes the Moors river. The town is surrounded by both heathland and forest and also farm land. The heathland has always figured in the history of the town, providing clay and sand for pottery products and the natural ingredients for animal food and brushes. Agriculture has always played a large part as well.

Being a larger town often attracts animals, insects and birds and this is certainly the case in Verwood due to its rural location. With the forest very close by, squirrels, badgers, foxes and deer will all venture out to take advantage of easily accessible food sources available within the community.
Rodents, including rats and mice, are always the most common pests to invade both domestic and industrial habitats and the lure of easy pickings from bird feeders in gardens, or domestic waste bins are opportunities too good to miss!

Other animals to benefit are moles, always on the look-out for another tasty worm or insect to feed on in well- manicured green areas or gardens.

Insects can be seasonal, none more so than wasps and bees, which will have plenty of choice of nesting areas, either inside or outside of properties and the soil is well suited for burrowing, which wasps in particular, enjoy.

If you need a pest control service or have a problem with Ants, Fleas, Rats, Mice, Squirrels, Birds, Moles, Rabbits, Wasps or you need help with Wasp control or Wasp removal, moles in your garden or need mole removal, mole trapping or pest prevention, or have a rodent or pest control problem in and around Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, Verwood or any BH postcode area call:
No-Nonsense Pest Control 01202 523469 or 07708 944620
or e-mail nononsensepestcontrol@yahoo.co.uk

Honey Bees
Mainly kept by beekeepers, but can be found living wild. They are a similar size to a wasp but are overall darker in colour, ranging from black to tan coloured banding. Honey Bees always live in a colony with a queen bee in charge, in which, numbers could reach up to 20000 bees.
Honey bees frequent gardens to collect pollen and nectar and require fluids to survive, often visiting ponds or other water sources to collect. If left alone, they are normally harmless but can cause panic when they swarm in large numbers and will sting to protect the queen.
Honey bees are valuable to the environment as they are pollinators of many types of plant.

Bumble Bees
Bumble Bees are larger than other bees and are approximately 2cm in size. They are round and have furry bodies which can be predominately black with either yellow bands, orange or white tips. Their flight appears hap-hazard.
During the winter the queen will hibernate and then come out in the spring to look for suitable nest sites, which range from in the ground, compost heaps and even bird boxes. In the nest will be a queen and female workers along with smaller male drone bees. Only the queen and worker bees are capable of stinging.
There will be only be a few hundred bumble bees in a nest and they do not swarm, however if threatened, they will attack. Late summer is the mating period after which the fertilised females will hibernate in the autumn and the rest will die. Bumble bees are also pollinators.

Solitary Bees

As the name suggests, this type of bee does not live in colonies. They do resemble honey bees in appearance but do not swarm.
Their homes are in cells that are constructed in sandy soil, in which a single egg is laid, which is then filled with pollen and sealed. On hatching, the larvae feed on the pollen, pupate and emerge as bees the following year.
The solitary bee is a pollinator and is totally harmless.

Wasps
Wasps certainly live in colonies, which are initially started by a single queen wasp and rapidly grows as the summer progresses. If left un-disturbed, numbers can easily reach several thousand wasps per nest. The wasp nest can be located just about anywhere which has easy access for the wasps to enter and exit.
The wasp nest will be heavily protected and even the slightest disturbance will result in many angry wasps appearing to defend the nest and the area around it.

Should you need help to deal with a wasp nest, wasp problem or need wasp control or wasp removal in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, Verwood or any BH postcode area in Dorset, contact:

No-Nonsense Pest control: 01202 523469 or 07708 944620
or e-mail nononsensepestcontrol@yahoo.co.uk