About HONEY BEES - A honey bee swarm is distinctive
About bee swarms, how they behave and how to find a beekeeper who can collect oneClick on a picture in the line below to read about that topic
SWARMS and PESTS - General help and information about honey bees whether swarming or in residence, and how to find help 
BUMBLE BEES - The bumble bee leads a quiet life for one season and is best left undisturbed if possible 
COMMON WASPS - Wasps have their place in our ecosystem, although they can at times be a menace 
HORNETS - Most are our native European hornet, but be on the lookout for invading Asian hornets 
SOLITARY BEES - The UK has many species of solitary bee, every one a precious pollinator Honey bee Swarms
HONEY BEES are protected. They are vital pollinators and every effort should be made to protect them.
Why do honey bees swarm?
Swarming is natural; it happens when a healthy colony has increased in size and is looking for a new home.A swarm gathers into a brown mass of around 20,000 bees clustered tightly together around a queen.
Swarms often locate on shrubs, trees or buildings (including chimneys) however they can decide to pitch anywhere such as cars, lorries, lamposts, playhouses etc.
Swarms often locate on shrubs, trees or buildings (including chimneys) however they can decide to pitch anywhere such as cars, lorries, lamposts, playhouses etc.
What do I do if I have a honey bee swarm?
Normally honey bee swarms are not aggressive because they have gorged themselves on honey stores and no longer have a home to defend.
Are the bees dangerous?
If provoked, a swarm will become increasingly defensive the longer it remains at a location.
WARNING: The bees can still sting.
Children and animals should be kept well away from the swarm and adults should remain at a safe distance or go indoors and close the windows. Never attempt to destroy or move a swarm yourself.
WARNING: The bees can still sting.
Children and animals should be kept well away from the swarm and adults should remain at a safe distance or go indoors and close the windows. Never attempt to destroy or move a swarm yourself.
Can someone take the bees away?
Swarms have the best chance of survival if they are taken by trained beekeepers and placed in beehives where they can thrive and increase.
Our swarm co-ordinator can arrange for someone to come and remove the swarm.
For swarms in and around the Romsey area, please call The Romsey Swarm Line on 07469 885597
Our swarm co-ordinator can arrange for someone to come and remove the swarm.
For swarms in and around the Romsey area, please call The Romsey Swarm Line on 07469 885597
Outside our area? Not straightforward? Not honey bees?
Please CLICK HERE to return to our page about swarms, pests and getting help.