Swarms
Contact Us about a SwarmIf you think you have a swarm of Honeybees, please firstly read the information about the different types of bees and wasps to determine if what you’ve spotted may actually be bumblebees or wasps. If a swarm is in progress you will see a lot of flying bees milling about and the air will appear thick with bees. Eventually they will settle into a cluster on anything from a tree branch to a man made object.
This swarm can usually now be collected by a beekeeper. These swarms are needed by beekeepers who try their best to keep the honeybee population alive and well. They are usually very calm in this state and unless antagonised will not normally sting.
After checking the information below and you still think that they are indeed honeybees, please get in contact with EGBKA’s Swarm Coordinator at swarms@egbka.org.uk
Alternatively you can find another local honeybee swarm collector via the British Beekeepers Association Locator (where you can enter your postcode to find the nearest registered collector).
If the honeybees have taken up residence in a permanent structure such as a chimney breast or under your eaves it can be very hard to remove them and professional help might need to be sought. Please get in touch with our Swarm Coordinator for advice.
Please do not attempt to kill honeybees as they are an endangered species – local beekeepers will be happy to help you by collecting them.
A swarm of honeybees is relatively harmless as they are not protecting their nest or their young. Please note that the so called ‘Killer Bees’ (Africanised) DO NOT occur in the UK.
Bee and Wasp Identification
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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:
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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.
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?
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.
