If you have a swarm are you sure they are honey bees?
There are many types of honey bees and they range in colour from black through to tan as seen below, this is a picture of a female Carnolian bee from one of my hives. (Honey bee)
Colonies of Bees will sometimes swarm in April, May, June and July. When a colony is strong enough it will divide and half the bees and one queen will fly off to make a new home. It is their way of natural reproduction to ensure the survival of the species. At the time that a colony swarms the bees will gorge themselves on honey, taking enough food to survive for a few days. In this condition, with their stomachs full, they are docile if left alone. Even if one or two bees land on you, after a moment they will fly off.
Do not be alarmed, just walk away and leave them to settle.
Should you find a cluster of honey bees in your garden or elsewhere a beekeeper will usually be able to remove the cluster. The beekeeper will advise the best action and arrange to collect the swarm.
What you should do? Stay away from the colony, close any open doors and windows and keep your pets indoors if possible, the buzzing may sound loud and you will see a few bees flying about, do not disturb them or spray them with a hose.
What will the beekeeper do? Swarms are best collected in the early evening. They should not be collected during the day as many of the bees are still flying. If a cluster is removed before 4-5pm many flying bees will be left behind. Remaining bees will be hopelessly confused and may become a nuisance.
The beekeeper will arrive with equipment and carefully house the bees in a cardboard box or straw skep for transporting them. The process is interesting and the beekeeper will always be glad to explain what he is doing.
Please be aware that all species of bees should not be harmed as they are generally docile when they have swarmed.
Contact the following numbers for a beekeeper who will arrange collection;
Fareham Central and East - 01329 289668
Fareham Western Wards - 01489 885159
All local Areas - 07855 804116
We only collect honey bees, if you have a wasps please contact the council.
Bumble bees are beneficial insects and will not be collected. They are harmless if left alone and are fascinating to watch as they hop from flower to flower and glide around your garden with a gentle humming sound.
Bumble bees are generally larger and have a lot more hair or fur, the second picture shows a typical bumble bee nest. The nest is completely different from either honey bees or wasps.
Wasps and Hornets are regarded as pests and both Gosport and Fareham councils have Pest Control Officers who will deal with them for which a charge is made. See below for links.
Gosport Council Then click the link pest control treatment and advice
