Honey Bee Swarms

A CLUSTER OF BEES SEEN IN THE PHOTOS IS A CLUSTER OF HONEY BEES

It won't be Bumble Bees, Solitary Bees, Wasps, Hornets or Asian Hornets

This is a Honey Bee. The Honey Bee is the only bee to gather nectar and produces honey.

Honey Bee

There are many types of Bumble Bee which all look slightly different, but are typically characterised by their big fluffy bodies.

Bumble Bee

The wasp is a brighter yellow and appears hairless. Hover flies look similar to wasps, but are thinner and can sometimes be seen hovering near flowers. Hornets, are again similar to wasps, but bigger.

Wasp

There are many other types of bees, the solitary bee is another example.

A honeybee imposter a fly that looks like a bee!

YOU HAVE A SWARM OF HONEY BEES?

Before you call a local swarm collector gather some information.

Is It a Swarm of Honey Bees?

It is only honey bees that swarm.  If the ‘swarm’ is in the ground or a bird box it is likely to be bumblebees, solitary bees or wasps.  Have a look at the pictures on this page to decide if it is a honey bee swarm.  Alternatively, click here for a website page that has very good picture of some of the bees found in the UK.

Size & How Long Has it Been There?

It is useful for someone collecting the swarm to know how big the swarm is.  On a wall or fence, is it the size of a dinner plate, a sofa cushion or a bed pillow?  Hanging from a tree, is it the size of a tennis ball, football or beach ball?

Do you know how long it has been present?  When did you first notice it?

Where is the Swarm Located?

In order to remove a swarm the person will need permission from the property or land owner.  They will also need to know where the swarm is located.  Is it on a wall, in a hedge, or up a tree?  Will they need a ladder?  As much information you can provide helps prepare for the collection.

Swarm of Honey Bees Underneath a Picnic Table

Swarm Underneath a Picnic Table

Swarm of honey bees in a plum tree

Swarm of honey bees in a plum tree

Honey Bee Swarm in Barnstaple on a Building Site Underneath Scaffolding Boards

Honey bee swarm underneath scaffolding boards

Swarm of Honey Bees in a compost bin

Swarm of honey bees in a compost bin

A Honey Bee Swarm Forming on a Fence

Swarm of honey bees settling on a garden fence. Allen at Chilcotts Farm will collect swarms from Bickington & Fremington near Barnstaple

Collection of Honey Bee Swarms

To have a swarm of honey bees removed the British Beekeepers website has a list of Bee Keepers who will remove bees.  At the following link  https://www.bbka.org.uk/swarm if you put in your postcode, this will provide a list of Honey Bee Swarm Collectors near to you.

A Settled Swarm or Cluster of Honey Bees

Swarm of honey bees clustered on a garden fence. Allen local swarm collector at Chilcotts Farm collecting swarms from Bickington & Fremington near Barnstaple

Honey Bee Swarm Forming in A Devon Hedge

SO WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOUR SWARM HAS BEEN COLLECTED?

Temporary Housing

The swarm collector (beekeeper) will visit and if possible, most of the bees will be temporarily housed in a box.  However, there will probably be a few bees left flying around.  As dusk falls, these remaining bees should find there way into the box with the other bees.

A Return Visit

At dusk, or very early the next morning, the beekeeper will return to collect the 'box of bees'.  Most of the bees will have joined their sisters in the box.  They will temporarily secure the bees so that they can be transported to their new home.

A New Home

A good beekeeper will put the recovered bees in a temporary apiary.  To give them a good start, they will also treat them  with a Thyme (yes the herb!) based treatment which encourages the bees to remove any Varroa Mites they may have brought with them.  For the next 6 weeks they will be fed and monitored checking for disease and behaviour.

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