Before swarming bees will gorge themselves on honey so they are unlikely to sting you even if disturbed.
Try and keep people and machines away from the swarm - flapping arms, strimmers, nosey dogs and the like do not help.
We can probably help with honey bees, but not as a matter of course wasps, hornets, bumble bees and other insects. Take a look at the pictures below if you are not sure. For all other insects, call your local District or City Council (see below).
For honey bees, please make a note of the following before phoning someone to help you...
1) How big is the swarm ? ...( Tennis ball, Ten-pin, Football ...)
2) Where is it ? ... up a tree, in a chimney, in a shed
3) How high off the ground ?.. Anything else that makes access difficult?
4) How long has the swarm been there ?
5) Address, including post code.
6) Phone number(s) that the beekeeper can contact as he/she arrives to collect the swarm.
HONEY BEE SWARMS - CONTACT NUMBERS
SWARM CO-ORDINATORS :
- Kings Lynn & W Norfolk DC - Patrick Duhig 01553 828651 or 07860 573719
- North Norfolk DC - David Bancalari 01603-755105 M: 07733-324810
- Breckland DC - Trevor Nash 01362-696737
- Broadland DC - Mike Willis H: 01493-369261 M: 07710-292686
- South Norfolk DC - Richard Norman 07970-291448
- Norwich CC - Neville Thrower 01603-451773
Costs . West Norfolk and King's Lynn Beekeepers provide swarm collection services on a voluntary basis. Very very few are full time beekeepers so we do urge you to double check that you have honey bees and not other insects before calling them away from work for possibly several hours. We think it is reasonable that you make a donation for expenses such as fuel costs - the rest is down to how you feel given that most councils make a significant charge for dealing with other insects.
BUMBLE BEES, MASON BEES and other bees
- All Norfolk..... Helen Copperthwaite. Phone: 01263 734682. Email: helensbeehive@tinyworld.co.uk
- All Norfolk..... Mike Willis. Phone : 01493 369261
These bees are harmless and numbers dwindle naturally as the year draws to a close. Please try and live with them as they contribute to the balance of the ecology. Some beekeepers may offer help with these bees : this is their personal choice since NBKA insurance only covers swarm collection of honey bees.
WASPS and HORNETS - CONTACT NUMBERS
- Kings Lynn & West Norfolk DC 01553 616200
- North Norfolk DC...... 01263 513811
- Breckland DC.......... 01362 656870
- Broadland DC......... 01603 431133
- South Norfolk DC..... 01508 533633
- Norwich DC............... 01603 212212