Swarms

Contact Us about a Swarm

If you believe you’ve found a honeybee swarm, first verify whether the insects are honeybees, bumblebees, or wasps by reading the identification information below. A honeybee swarm looks like many bees flying together and then clustering on an object. These swarms can usually be safely collected by beekeepers, as the bees are calm and unlikely to sting unless disturbed.

If confirmed as honeybees, contact the EGBKA Swarm Coordinator at swarms@egbka.org.uk or use the British Beekeepers Association Locator to find a local swarm collector. For bees nesting permanently in structures, professional removal advice is recommended. Do not kill honeybees our swarm coordinator will be able to provide advice. Honeybee swarms are generally harmless, and Africanised “killer bees” do not exist in the UK.

Bee and Wasp Identification

Honeybees are slender insects that are about half an inch (just under 2cm) long, mostly brown with lighter bands. They can vary in colour from almost black to golden brown. These are the bees that swarm and beekeepers keep them in beehives.

 

These are very commonly mistaken for honeybees. They are however larger, more rounded and furrier. They come in two sizes: the Queen bumblebee can be about the size of the end of your thumb and the smaller worker is about the size of the end of your little finger.

They can sting but do so only very rarely and are very, very difficult to provoke. Bumblebees don’t swarm. They may nest in small cavities in walls but are most commonly found in holes in the ground or under sheds.

If you find bees when stirring up your compost heap, they will most probably be bumblebees but if they are in the lid of a compost bin hanging down then these will probably be honeybees. Bumblebees do not like to be disturbed and will only stay for one season, moving on in the autumn or sometimes in the early summer. Beekeepers are usually unable to help remove bumblebees and are likely to encourage you to live with them until they disappear in the autumn.

More Information on Bumblebees can be found at the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
Wasps are slender with black and yellow stripes. They are often confused with Honey Bees but are much more bright and yellow. Their nests are usually spherical and are made from paper substance chewed from soft wood. They can also nest in the ground. You should NEVER try to destroy a wasp nest yourself as this is dangerous and could even prove fatal. This must be done by a LICENCED Pest Controller. Please do not call beekeepers about wasps.

 

Hornets are like big wasps and have a loud buzz. They are usually black and brown with a hint of orange, with a big curved tail. They often reside in sheds and roofs. LEAVE WELL ALONE and treat as wasps. Please do not call beekeepers about hornets.

 

The Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet

  • look very black
  • has a wide orange stripe on 4th segment of abdomen
  • its legs look as if they have been dipped in yellow paint

 

It is a highly aggressive predator which poses a significant threat to honey bees and other pollinators in the UK. Numbers of the destructive insect rose rapidly in 2023 and more were detected in the UK than in the previous six years combined.

If you spot a Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet or a nest please report it immediately.
It is crucial all possible sightings are reported so experts can take quick and effective action to eradicate Yellow-Legged Asian Hornets.

More information can be found on how to report a sighting at the following link:

Yellow Legged Asian Hornet

These are small bees that usually live in holes in the wall or the ground. They often have reddy/ brown bottoms. They are harmless and should be left alone. Please do not call beekeepers about solitary bees. But consider making or buying a bee hotel to help these litte polinators.
Bee mimics are harmless insects that have evolved to closely resemble bees, a phenomenon known as Batesian mimicry. This mimicry helps them avoid predators by imitating the warning coloration and patterns of stinging bees, making would-be attackers think twice before approaching. The most common bee mimics are hoverflies and bee-flies, which may look strikingly similar to bees but cannot sting. These mimics often share features like yellow and black stripes, a buzzing flight, and even behavioral traits, yet can usually be distinguished by differences such as having only a single pair of wings and shorter antennae. While they may fool predators and even people at a glance, bee mimics themselves are generally harmless and many act as important pollinators in gardens and natural areas

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a Beekeeper?

The best way to become a beekeeper is to attend an introductory course, join your local beekeeping association and attend meetings and events where you can handle bees.

Or

Get some bees and some equipment and learn from Youtube, courses and books. See our Beginners page for more information.

What equipment do I need to become a beekeeper.
A list of equipment can be found on the Beginners page.
I've got a swarm in my garden, what should I do?

Check out our Swarms page and if you are sure they are Honeybees, contact our swarm co-ordinator at swarms@egbka.org.uk

I've already got bees. Can I still join EGBKA?
Yes you can. Having your own bees will help you learn and being in contact with other association members will provide you advice and support.
How do I become a member of EGBKA?

To become a member download the membership form and return it to secretary@egbka.org.uk.

I've got bees in my chimney or wall or loft what should I do?

We are not able to help remove bees from buildings etc. This is not covered by our British Beekeepers Association insurance.

There are number of good bee removal companies in Sussex, a quick internet search will find them.