Swarms

Honeybee swarms can be found during the summer months.

If you have a large number of bees outside in the garden maybe in a bush or compost heap, hanging (as in the picture left) or all over the outside of something, you may have a honeybee swarm.

We have members of Evesham Beekeepers Association who are happy to collect swarms so they do not prove a nuisance.  When assessing the situation, the beekeeper may advise homeowners when the services of a specialist bee removal expert may be required.

Unsure whether you have a honeybee swarm? 

Need to locate a local beekeeper for swarm collection?

Members of the public can use the BBKA website https://www.bbka.org.uk/swarm to help identify the type of bee they have, and also use the swarm map to contact a local beekeeper.


Please contact one of our swarm co-ordinators for help:

Swarm collection

Please remember that any assistance given by a beekeeper is entirely voluntary and done in the spirit of goodwill. Assistance is also provided on the basis that neither the Association nor its members can be held responsible for any inadvertent misadventure during the process of collecting swarms.

Swarms are collected subject to their accessibility, and with no obligation. Don’t expect beekeepers to work at height or use equipment unfamiliar to them to reach swarms.


Advice

Swarm co-ordinators are happy to be called on to assess a situation involving honeybees. If they feel the bees are inaccessible, in a location that means significant time or specialist equipment is required, or already settled inside a building, they may advise the householder to engage the services of a specialist bee collector or pest controller for a fee.


Professional help

Specialist removal is a professional operation; the job should be undertaken like any gardening or decorating job; after agreement with the householder of a contract and price. Whilst not endorsing any individual EBKA can share the details of those equipped to deal with colony removal: