We have a swarm of honey bees who have set up home in the chimney. They can't get into the house as our fireplaces are blocked off. What are the consequences if we do nothing? One hears so much about the declining bee population I would sooner not call in the pest controller to exterminate them. Grateful for any advice. Thanks.
The pest controller will not destroy them. They might be able to relocate them. There will be a register with your borough or district council of local beekeepers and they will be able to help.
I once had a similar problem with bees in the chimney and they managed to get into the house through an air vent.
As Scooping suggests, local bee keepers may be able to help, as they did in my case.
The bees never came back after I had a wood burning stove installed.