Association

13 November 2019

Open plan living

Your Association | PPC97 November 2019

At the end of August Martyn Belcher, ABM Pest Control, was called out by Nottinghamshire Police to a swarm of honey bees.

Armed with his swarm collecting gear (skep, spray bottle and garden secateurs) Martyn was greeted with an established colony hanging in a tree on a public park.

But this was no ordinary hive: this was an ‘open air’ colony. A first for him in his 20 years as a pestie and five years as a beekeeper.

open plan living ABM pest control 2

As you can see from the pictures, it’s a fantastic structure.

Generally, PPE is not required when bees are in true swarm state.

However, unfortunately for Martyn, these girls had been in this tree for over two weeks in order to build so much comb.

As a result, two of the guard bees decided he was too close and donated their rear end stings to his face and neck.

If left, the bees would have perished from the cold weather ahead.

So, the decision was made to return with full PPE and a purpose-built hive, to place the entire colony and comb directly into.

Now the bees are safely sited with other colonies at an apiary in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

SEND US YOUR SNAPS

A picture is worth a thousand words; if you’ve taken some while out on the job, we’d love to see them!

hello@bpca.org.uk

Source: PPC97

Highlights View all news

07 July 2025

Latest news

BPCA pledges support to Armed Forces Community with covenant commitment

BPCA has proudly signed the Armed Forces Covenant, strengthening its commitment to supporting current and former military personnel and their families.

Read more

06 June 2025

Latest news

Results are in: meet your new BPCA Board representatives 2025

Six new Member Directors have been chosen to help lead the Association and represent the interests of BPCA members at the highest level.

Read more

29 May 2025

Latest news

VOTING OPENS in BPCA member elections - 13 candidates stand for SIX places on BPCA Board

Voting has officially opened in the BPCA Member Elections 2025, with 13 nominees standing for SIX open seats on the Executive Board.

Read more
Latest View all news

10 July 2025

Latest news

National Pest Awards 2025 finalists announced

The shortlist of finalists for this year’s National Pest Awards has been announced by organisers Pest magazine.

Read more

09 July 2025

Latest news

A global gathering at ICUP in Sweden

Delegates from across the globe gathered at the 11th International Conference on Urban Pests (ICUP) held in Sweden. Frances McKim reports.

Read more

07 July 2025

Latest news

BPCA pledges support to Armed Forces Community with covenant commitment

BPCA has proudly signed the Armed Forces Covenant, strengthening its commitment to supporting current and former military personnel and their families.

Read more