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Honey bees

Honey bees, both feral (wild) and colonised, are important beneficial insects, not normally considered as pests. They live either in the wild in nests, or as colonies in hives kept by beekeepers. In either case, they will only normally sting people if they are provoked.

During early to mid-summer honey bees will occasionally swarm.  This is due to a new queen being hatched in the nest or hive. As there is only room for one queen in a colony, the old queen will leave and take a proportion of workers with her and look for somewhere to set up a new home. This can either be in a hollow tree, chimney, cavity wall, roof or any accessible void.

Sometimes a swarm can be seen hanging off of a tree or shrub or other structures. This is normally because they are resting and will eventually move off to a more permanent site.

On no account should you approach them. They will not bother you unless you interfere with them. Instead, leave them alone and call WODC Pest Control, who will arrange for a beekeeper to collect the swarm, or, if they are inaccessible and could be a danger to the public, will decide if they need to be destroyed and will carry out a treatment if possible.

For more advice phone 01993 861060 or use the online service on the right of this page.

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