Getting a buzz out of saving the humble bumble bee (From Warrington Guardian)

Getting a buzz out of saving the humble bumble bee

12:10pm Thursday 21st June 2012 in News

STEVE Caslin is being kept as busy as a bumble bee – helping to keep the species’ numbers up in the borough.

The pest controller, of Gainsborough Road, Lower Walton, has turned his attention to more humane ways of dealing with bumble bee nests by finding the colonies a new home.

Steve, aged 48, who runs Atlas Environmental Solutions, said: “I don’t just want to be known as someone who kills things.

“After honey bees, bumble bees are the second most important pollinators.

“They are particularly important in pollinating trumpet-shaped flowers for which honey bees have too short a proboscis for and in the pollination of tomatoes.”

He has taken up the call from homeowners who have bumble bee nests and do not know what to do with them.

The bee population is vital in keeping our flowers and fruits growing, but is declining due to habitat destruction and over use of pesticides.

“I find people are willing to pay extra if I am going to help the bumble bees rather than kill them,” he added.

“I ride my bike though Moore Nature Reserve most Sundays and I got talking to the wardens and they said the bees are more than welcome to go there.

“My thanks go to the reserve for allowing me to re-house there, and also Warrington Borough Council for supplying my details when asked for bumble bee control.

“Between us we are doing our bit for British bumble bees.”

Bumble bee nests are normally quite small and contain between 100 to 200 bees. In the past six to eight weeks since the bumble bee season began, Steve has dealt with a number of nests.

He said: “I have found them in ducting pipes, old bird nests and even around the motor of a deep freezer.”

If you would like to find out more about Steve’s bumble bee journey visit the Atlas Environmental Solutions Ltd Facebook site.