Swarm Collection

Swarm collection – If you think you have a swarm of honey bees (see below for tips on identification) on your property, contact us to see if we can help

The success of whether or not a swarm is caught depends on our availability, timing (the bees may fly off before they can be reached), and accessibility. If they are 20 ft up a tree or telegraph post, they are simply too far out of reach. If they have already set up home in a wall cavity or loft, you will need to contact a professional pest control service.

Dangerous nests

If you believe that you, your family or your animals are at risk from bees or wasps, call your local pest control department

Honey bee swarm

A honey bee swarm is not a nest. It is a temporary gathering of bees looking for a new home. They are often seen during May and June clinging to branches in bushes and trees or sometimes on gates and walls.

This is what a beekeeper will often help with removing (if accessible).

A swarm shouldn’t be interfered with and will fly off once it has found a suitable home.

Honey bees

Typically black and brown, sometimes with orange bands on the abdomen. They form swarms from May to July and can set up home in wall cavities, roof spaces, chimneys and beneath eaves.

A swarm is short lived and rarely stays in situ for more than a couple of days. A colony however may last for years.

Beekeepers may be able to collect swarms if they are accessible. Colonies within wall cavities and chimneys are often difficult to remove and usually require the assistance of the local pest control department.

Wasps

Unmistakably black and bright yellow. They live in papery colonies colonies made from wood pulp.

Wasps don’t swarm and their colonies only last from  spring through to the autumn before dying out as the new queens leave the nest.

It is said that in any urban or suburban area you will be less than 20 m away from a wasp nest. They often go completely unnoticed and rarely cause harm.  They will become defensive if interfered with.

Beekeepers rarely deal with wasp nests therefore the local pest control department is the best bet for the removal of awkwardly located nests.

Bumble bees

Bumble bees are typically characterised by their often large, hairy bodies, and a more ponderous  (“bumbling”) flight. Of the 24 species in the UK, their size varies widely. Their colour ranges from bold black and yellow with white or buff tails, to black and copper or ginger and buff.

Bumble bees make their nest in a variety of places including underground cavities beneath hedges, compost bins, cavities beneath sheds and roof spaces. Their colonies  last through from spring to late summer before dying out as the new queens leave the nest.

Beekeepers sometimes help to relocate bumble bee nests. If possible it is best to leave a bumble bee nest alone and clear away any nest material or block off access holes when the nest has died down in the autumn. They will rarely cause harm unless provoked. Awkwardly located nests that may affect children or farm animals should be dealt with by the local pest control department.