Swarm Collection

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. A swarm of honey bees is many thousands of bees in a cluster shaped like a rugby ball typically found hanging off a tree or fence.

As well as honey bees there are around 24 species of bumblebee and over 240 species of solitary bee in the UK.  Please see the identification section below to help identify what type of bee you have and who to approach for help and further information.  

If you feel you need to have the bees destroyed then please contact a local reputable pest control company.  Bees are endangered but they are not protected.

For further information about swarms please see the BBKA press release issued May 2024.

Our volunteer beekeepers can only assist in cases of swarms OF HONEY BEES.