With the temperatures comfortable and plenty of flowers in bloom this is the time for swarms.
Have you got a swarm?
This is what swarm looks like. There are probably lots of bees flying round as well. Do not worry – they are not likely to sting you. They are just protecting their queen and looking for a new home.
Does it look like this? This is a honey bee. If they look like this then we are able to deal with them – in fact we would love to. If you are not certain then have a look at the BBKA bee identification page.
So what do you do now?
- Estimate how big it is – golf ball, cricket ball, football, bigger? (That way we know what we need.)
- Do you know the approximate postcode of the swarm location. (It just helps you find the nearest swarm collector.)
- Look on the BBKA website at the swarm map and find the nearest collector.
- Ring them and let them know what you have and where.
- Swarms do not hang around so the sooner we know the better we are able to help the bees.
- If you do not get an answer then try another collector.
So what do I do if I am called?
- First I will check that they are honey bees. We cannot help with wasps or bumble bees.
- I will ask you you how big the swarm is.
- I will ask you where it is. If you have “what3words” on your phone then that is best.
- What3words is available as an app we should all have on our phone – identifies anywhere within 3 metres.
- I will put the things I need in the car and drive to the location.
- Once there I will assess the situation and if it is safe to do so I will collect the swarm.
So why bother to call me?
- I will remove the bees with a minimum of disruption.
- I will rehouse them with a beekeeper.
- You know they won’t set up home in your chimney, under the eaves or in a tree near you.
- You may even get a jar of honey later as sign of the bees and our appreciation.