Swarm REPORTING
when we can help
If you want to check how the weather can show the likelihood of swarming, use this page: Swarm Outlook
First, are they really honey bees?
one of these is a honeybee
can you spot which one?
here are the differences between similar insects
Hornet?
Hornets may also require pest control, especially if in a dangerous position. Hornets have nests made of a paper like material which doesn't present a problem as much as a wax beehive. Hornets are also good pollinators and eat pests in your garden, but also eat honeybees. Beekeepers don’t remove hornets.
Wasp?
Wasps may require pest control, especially if in a dangerous position. Wasps have nests made of a paper like material, unlike wax comb. Did you know that wasps are also good pollinators and eat pests in your garden, but also eat honeybees? Beekeepers don’t remove wasps.
Honeybee?
A honeybee swarm will rest and move on. Their old hive may be nearby, and they can fly miles to start a new one. Honeybees are great pollinators and do not eat other insects. Honeybees create beeswax and honey, but if they are found inside a building, it can be a problem that requires professional removal.
Bumblebee?
Bumblebees are best left alone as they are valuable pollinators and some are endangered. Don’t try to block any entrance holes as they will try to find another way out, possibly through the inside of a property. They will die out naturally in late summer/autumn.
Mason Bee?
Mason bees are solitary bees. They can live in small holes, gaps in walls and eaves as well as the very popular bug hotels people set up. The Red Mason Bee is quite common in Scotland. These are fantastic pollinators. We don't rehome mason bees.
this is what a swarm looks like
Appearance
A honeybee swarm is usually thousands of bees flying together in a large group. They may appear as a cloud or cluster of bees, often outside, and often settle hanging from a branch, tree, fence, or other objects, even cars! They look like the honeybees in the photo at the top of this page and just above.
Gathering Spot
Honeybee swarms usually gather temporarily in an exposed location, such as on a tree branch or fence, before relocating to a more permanent location, like a hollow tree, a shed, boxes or even an old hive. They tend to stay in the open for a few hours to a couple of days before moving on.
are they in your building?
If you see honeybees going in and out of your wall, chimney or building, it's not a swarm, it's a colony. We do not remove Honeybees living inside a building/wall/cavity/roof/eaves. You should contact a pest control or bee colony removal service immediately to deal with it.
Is it the right time?
Honeybees have a "swarm season”, which is broadly May to July. Although they can swarm at other times depending on various conditions. Generally a swarm occurs on a sunny day. If you have a honeybee swarm, there is a high chance of there being a beekeeper local to you.
stay calm and carry on
Be sensible keep well away ~ Keep children and pets away.
BEFORE WE ATTEND WE NEED INFORMATION FROM YOU
- Description or photograph
- Estimate of the size (e.g., football-sized).
- Where they are gathered: Location and access ( roof, tree, bush etc.)
- Height (of hedge, fence, 1st floor, roof)?
- How long have they been there?
- Your full address, directions, and parking (use WhatThreeWords for accuracy).
- Your contact number.
- Has pest control has treated them? Poisoned bees cannot be re-homed.
What to expect when you report
- Attending swarms is a voluntary service, the beekeepers are not paid.
- To help offset expenses, a basic attendance levy of a £50 donation applies.
- Payment can be made in cash to the attending beekeeper, or via either the Treasurer or PayPal.
- Our volunteers are based in Campbeltown and Clachan.
- Our northern limit for swarm attendance is Tarbert
- Retrieving swarms often involves multiple journeys and the attending volunteer may ask you to reimburse travel costs at 50p per mile especially if distances are involved.
If we are attending your property, a donation of £50 is required.
Who are the swarm response team?
Experienced members of the Kintyre and Mid-Argyll Beekeepers Association are available to assist with honeybee swarms. They have the necessary equipment and knowledge to provide help. Members of the Scottish Beekeeping Association only have public liability insurance for swarm recovery. According to the conditions of the insurance, we can only collect swarms, and we cannot remove colonies from buildings.
Can I call a member I know?
Use this site so that the right people will be contacted straight away. The Association Membership has agreed that this route is the best. It will prevent confusion, assign the right people, and minimise delays.
If you are advised to seek pest control or professional bee removal by the information on this page, the BeeBot, or the beekeeper, it is important to act promptly. Delaying could make the situation worse.
