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Guidance and Support from Beekeepers
In summer, many people encounter bees in their houses, outbuildings, and gardens. The sight of a large cluster of bees can be alarming, but it's important to handle these situations with care and knowledge. This blog will guide you on how to deal with a honey bee swarm, providing references from the British Beekeepers' Association (BBKA) and the Huddersfield Bee Keeping Association (HDBKA) for expert assistance.
Understanding Honey Bee Swarms
A swarm of honey bees is a natural phenomenon that usually occurs between April and July. This process allows colonies to reproduce. The swarm is typically a cluster of thousands of bees shaped like a rugby ball, often found hanging off a tree or fence. The colony gathers in this manner while scout bees search for a new home. During this time, the bees are generally calm and focused on relocation rather than posing a threat to people.
Key Characteristics of a Honey Bee Swarm
Appearance: Honey bees are small and vary in colour from golden brown to almost black.
Behaviour: Swarms are usually calm and not aggressive unless provoked.
Location: Swarms may settle in trees, posts, or other accessible areas.
Identifying Honey Bees
Before taking any action, it's crucial to accurately identify whether you are dealing with honey bees, as opposed to bumble bees, wasps, or other insects.
Honey Bees: Smaller in size, ranging in colour from golden brown to black.
Bumble Bees: Larger, rounder, and furrier, often nesting in bird boxes or under decking.
Wasps: Similar in size to honey bees but smoother and brightly coloured with yellow and black stripes, often nesting in roof spaces or sheds.
What to Do If You Encounter a Swarm
Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance: Do not provoke the bees. Keep children and pets away from the swarm.
Verify the Type of Bees: Ensure you have identified the bees correctly as honey bees. Use resources such as the BBKA or HDBKA websites to compare pictures and descriptions.
Contact a Beekeeping Association: If you are certain the bees are honey bees, contact your local beekeeping association for assistance.
National Assistance from the BBKA
The British Beekeepers' Association provides support for dealing with honey bee swarms. According to their guidelines: In summer we get many calls and questions from members of the public with bees in their houses, outbuildings, and gardens but our volunteer members are only able to help in cases of swarms of honey bees. There are around 250 species of bee found in the UK and only one of these is the honey bee. The British Beekeepers' Association looks after members who keep honey bees. We have volunteers who will be pleased to collect swarms of honey bees so they can be re-homed. Visit their swarm removal page for more information and to find a local swarm collector.
Local Assistance from HDBKA
For those in the Huddersfield area, the Huddersfield Bee Keeping Association offers a dedicated swarm collection service: Between April and July bee colonies can sometimes swarm. This amazing natural process allows colonies to reproduce. Usually the swarm will settle in a tree or on a post and gather into a ball. They will wait here until scout bees find a new home for them. Once they have settled, the colony is usually very calm as they are only focused on finding a new home and aren't interested in people. However, provoking them is not a good idea so you should keep your distance and ensure children and pets are kept away too.
For more details, visit their swarm collection page.
Conclusion
Encountering a swarm of honey bees can be a startling experience, but knowing how to respond can ensure the safety of both you and the bees. By identifying the bees correctly and contacting your local beekeeping association, you can help safely re-home the swarm. Remember, honey bees are not protected but are endangered, making their preservation critical. Volunteer beekeepers across the UK are ready to assist in relocating swarms, contributing to the health and sustainability of bee populations. For more information or to find a swarm collector, visit the BBKA and HDBKA websites. Your prompt and informed actions can make a significant difference in protecting these vital pollinators.
vital pollinators.
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