Swarming is a natural process that occurs when honey bees in the hive allow a new queen to develop and the colony spilts into two smaller colonies. Swarming is the honey bees way of reproducing.
One group of bees with a queen will fly and eventually land in a suitable location, such as tree or post. Some bees can be seen flying from the swarm, these are scout bees, searching for a suitable place for the colony to fly to and set up a permanent hive.
The usual swarming season is between April to the end of August, and this is the time when members of the public often need the services of a beekeeper to deal with honey bee swarms.
Beekeepers will only deal with honey bees swarms, and this page has been created to help you identify the most common types of insects we get called out to deal with. If you do have a honey bee swarm which can be removed safely, we have several members who volunteer their services.
Please follow the advice on this page or if you are still unsure, then go to – https://www.bbka.org.uk/what-bee-is-this


Honey bee -
There are over 250 types of bees in the UK but there is only one European honey bee (Apis mellifera). Honey bees are small and vary in colour from golden brown to almost black.

Bumblebees are often confused with honeybees. However they are rounder, larger and furrier and come with a variety of coloured stripes across the end of their tails. Are they in a bird box, under the decking, in the compost. Bumblebees are important pollinators. Leave the nests alone if possible. They will die out at the end of summer and will cause no further problems. Bumblebees rarely sting or attack people or animals and should therefore not be disturbed. There are 24 different types of native bumblebee, all of which vary in size and colour. Beekeepers are unable to assist in the removal of bumblebees.

Solitary bees - Are there lots of small bees popping in and out of the wall or very small holes in the ground. Do they have a "reddy/brown" bottom? Are they almost black.<br /> These are solitary bees, of which there are 225 species recorded in the UK and they post no threat or harm to you, your family or pets. Solitary bees are important pollinators and should be left alone. Their numbers will decrease over the summer and their nests should be left alone. Beekeepers are unable to assist in the removal of solitary bees.

Is it bright yellow with black stripes? Very smooth, mainly yellow with black stripes? Is it in the roof of your house? Are they coming from a round nest in a tree? Is there a nest in the shed? Do they have a high pitched buzz? Are they after all things sweet? Then these are probably wasps. Beekeepers are unable to assist in the removal of wasps.
Mining bees -

Frequently Asked Questions
I have a honey bee swarm. What should I do?
Will I get stung?
Will the bees attack my pets?
I have a swarm/ bees in my chimney/cavity wall. What can I do?
Once a honey bee swarm becomes established in a chimney or cavity wall, they are quite difficult to remove. They are unlikely to cause structural damage. Many beekeepers are unable to remove such swarms due to the risk associated with such works. We recommend you contact a bee friendly pest controller for advice.
For advice, please go to https://www.mrwasp.co.uk/ Please note that they will charge for any services performed.
Honey Bees
If you have identified a honey bee swarm then leave it alone and record the following information:
1. Address of swarm location
2. Contact name and telephone number of a witness
3. Is the swarm accessible? i.e. Is a ladder required?
The following members are prepared to come and collect honey bee swarms in their area. Please contact the individual directly on the number given below. If they are unable to answer please leave a message detailing the above points.
We can be very busy during the swarming season, so please be patient and someone will contact you. Please note we collect swarms at the home owner and/or land owner’s risk and we cannot be held responsible for any damage caused to property.
Cardiff,
Cardiff West
Llantrisant &
Vale of Glamorgan
Nick Mensikov
07949 969530
Cardiff, Penarth & Vale of Glamorgan
Nigel Clark
07881793933
Cardiff Bay & Penarth
Anne Botterill
07811286118
Aberdare/Merthyr Tydfil
Kevin Edwards
07799180130
Caerphilly Area
Kevin Lewis
07908701537
Pontypridd Area
Craig Fergus
07956531082
Please note, the beekeeper may charge for their service.