There are many types of bees in the UK, so it would pay you to know enough about them to to be able to be the professional in any discussions with prospective clients. You can get lots of information about them on the internet, including this one for solitary bees: http://www.insectpix.net/solitary_bees_gallery.htm

For Bumble Bees, here is a good starting point: http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/bumblebees_id.htm
 
Remember that most bees are not aggressive and many will not sting unless greatly provoked.  Simply explaining that the 'wasps' are in fact bees is often enough to persuade frightened members of the public to leave them alone.  Of course, you may not get paid for your expertise, so it may be best to have these discussions on the phone rather than on site.  Some pest controllers have learned to relocate bumble bee nests where necessary, which should surely be a chargeable service.
 
Then of course there are feral honey bees.
 
Remember that one of our Members found themselves in Court last year and was lucky to get away with a suspended sentence and only £3,000 worth of costs - all for a £68 'bee job'.  He hadn't broken the Law by treating the bee nest in a chimney, but by failing to take all reasonable precautions to prevent other bees from gaining entry to the treated nest afterwards. If you want more information on the case, contact the NPTA office.
 
As a result of this, many pest controllers simply won't carry out treatments for feral honey bees, which means that there is a market opportunity for those that are prepared to do a proper job.  To help Members, the NPTA has produced a Code of Practice on treating Feral Honey Bees, which you can download here (PFD 143kb).
 
If you want any further information on honey bees, such as how to contact local bee keepers to remove swarms perhaps, then contact the British Bee Keepers Association.  Their details can be found here: http://www.britishbee.org.uk/

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