Honey Bee Swarms
Portsmouth & District Beekeeping Association operate a free swarm collection service from April to September to assist members of the public and organisations in our local area, and to safeguard the valuable honeybee.
Before calling us, please ensure they are Honey Bees and not Bumble Bees, Masonry Bees or Wasps, as we are only able to assist with Honey Bee collections.
YOU CAN REPORT A HONEY BEE SWARM VIA 07442 583524 OR OUR ONLINE CONTACT FORM
I have a swarm of honeybees in my garden, what can I do?
Firstly, do not panic. This is a completely natural event and although the sound of the arriving can be quite something, they will usually settle down very quickly and will provide an opportunity for you to let us know and for someone to help.
Although a swarm of honeybees is normally harmless, they do frighten some people, and some individuals are allergic. Therefore, it is best to leave them alone, keep your distance and contact us.
When are swarms most likely to happen?
Swarms usually happen during the late morning or afternoon from April to July. If the Beekeeper can get to the swarm quickly the bees can usually be collected and moved to a new home.
When the bees arrive they will quickly form a cluster on a surface, such as a bush, tree, shed etc. If it is a distance away from their original home, they are likely to remain there for at least a few hours, and often for the rest of the day. Occasionally they may stay there for a few days, or if they are protected from the elements, for example within a sheltered site such as a hollow free or building, they may start to form a more permanent nest.
Why do bees swarm?
Bees usually swarm when a colony has grown and feels that it is running out of room and is strong enough to divide. At that time half the bees and one queen will fly off to make a new home. This is their natural way of reproduction and producing more colonies. Before they go, they will gorge themselves on honey, taking enough food to survive for a little while. Whilst they can make quite a noise when they arrive, do not be alarmed. Just walk away, leave them to settle and give us a call/email.
 |
 |
 |
| Honeybees Contact Us |
Bumblebee Please call pest control |
Wasp Please call pest control |
Call Us
If you contact us (or call our swarm line on 07442 583524) we will try to arrange for a volunteer Beekeeper to attend as soon as possible. They will transfer the majority of the swarm into a collection box, and after the flying bees have returned in the early evening they will complete the swarm collection and remove it to our isolation apiary. Please be aware that bees should not be harmed or sprayed with pesticide.
Before calling please ensure they are Honey Bees and not Bumble Bees, Masonry Bees or Wasps. Please see our Know your Bees page to assist you with identification.
Other Bees
We are very sorry but we cannot do anything about bumble bees, wasps or masonry bees. For wasps, you will need a pest controller. For bumble bees and masonry bees, it’s best to leave them alone, but if you can’t then you will need a pest controller. Please see the picture above for a typical swarm of Honey Bees.
In building cavities, chimneys or very high up?
If bees are in the cavity of your house, chimney or roof, or they are above 12ft high, then we are sorry, but as volunteers it is unlikely there will be much we can do to help. This is because our insurance does not cover us to undertake any activities that requires building work such as removing bricks or tiles, nor for working at height. In these cases you will need to contact a commercial bee removal company or pest controller.
Contact Details
If you see a swarm then please call us on 07442 583524 or get in touch via our contact form to arrange for the nearest beekeeper to you to arrange a collection.
Collection Area
Swarm collectors may require you to sign a disclaimer. The area covered is about a 6-mile radius of Portsmouth. This will cover the whole of Portsmouth, Hayling Island, Havant, Rowlands Castle, Waterlooville, Denmead, Horndean, Portchester, Titchfield and Gosport.
If you are further afield, please contact your local beekeeping association.
- Meon Valley – 07969 472399
- Petersfield – 07531 901767
- Chichester – Website
- Fareham – 07368 269491
- Southampton – 07766 629763
