Honey Bee Swarm Collection

I AM ONLY ABLE TO HELP IN CASES OF HONEY BEE SWARMS

I am unable to assist in the removal of 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.

Solitary 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 me 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 for me to remove a swarm I will need permission from the property or land owner.  I will also need to know where the swarm is located.  Is it on a wall, in a hedge, or up a tree?  Will I need a ladder?  As much information you can give me will help me 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

DO YOU WANT YOUR HONEY BEE SWARM REMOVING?

I am only able to assist with a SWARM of HONEY BEES

Contact Me for Honey Bee Swarm Collection

Telephone: 07403 311920

Or, email me using the form below:

Your Name (required)

Your Telephone Number (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Post Code

To Assist with Identification, if you can, Send A Picture

Additional Information:
Swarm location; Size & how long it has been present.

If I am not available, or you need a Honey Bee Swarm Collector for another area, please go to the British Beekeepers website and put in your post code:  https://www.bbka.org.uk/swarm This will provide a list of Honey Bee Swarm Collectors near to you.

Swarm Collection in the Fremington & Bickington Area

If you you have a swarm in Bickington or Fremington near Barnstaple and want it removed, please contact me by phone, or complete the contact form.  I will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.

 

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

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 NEXT?

Temporary Housing

I 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, I will come to collect the 'box of bees'.  Most of the bees will have joined their sisters in the box.  I will temporarily secure them so that they can be transported to their new home.

A New Home

When the bees return to Chilcotts Farm, we put them in a temporary apiary.  To give them a good start, we 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 we feed and monitor our new guests checking for disease and behaviour.

ABOUT ME

I am Allen, and have been a beekeeper for over 10 years.  Early in my beekeeping history, I passed the Basic Assessment in Beekeeping and went on to become an active member of a local beekeeping association in Hampshire.  

As a former member of the committee, I went on to assist with mentoring new beekeepers and was a local swarm collector for the association.

I belong to the British Bee Keeping Association, (www.BBKA.org) and as such have Third Party Liability insurance.

If you want to know more about the honey bee and swarms or find a local swarm collector in your area, see this webpage at the BBKA website.