During the late spring and early summer, bee colonies can divide with one part of the original colony remaining in the hive and the other flying off to set-up a new nest. After leaving the hive a swarm of bees will cluster temporarily nearby before moving-on, and for the non-beekeeper this can be an alarming and worrying sight, however there’s no need to be concerned.
WBKA provides a swarm collection service to the people of Wharfedale on a voluntary basis.
We do not charge for this service but will accept donations to the Association if offered. If you live outside Wharfedale your local association may be able to help you.
We are often called out to remove insects which are not bees.
Please check the information and video on the BBKA web site which will help you to confirm whether you have a swarm.
We do not remove or relocate bumblebees, wasps or hornets. If honey bees are inside buildings and are causing a problem then you may need to employ a pest control service to destroy the bees, remove the nest and block access to the cavity to prevent bees re-establishing a nest.
If, after checking, you believe you have a swarm, immediately contact your local Association Swarm Collector (below) who should be able to remove the swarm and find it a new home.
Bees in your Bird Box?: This is quite common in the spring and summer. It’s probably bumblebees, not honey bees. For more information see the BBCT web site.
PLEASE NOTE: Swarms are usually very placid, however, unless you are an experienced beekeeper you should keep your distance and under no circumstances disturb the bees.
Association Swarm Collectors 2025
Below is the list of this year’s of swarm collectors who may be able to help you if you have a honeybee swarm. We will try to respond quickly when contacted but we cannot guarantee to be able to remove a swarm, particularly if access is difficult or dangerous.
For WBKA members, anyone wanting a swarm should give their details to Chris Duxbury our swarm coordinator (number below). Anyone with a swarm looking for a home should also contact him and he will try to match offer with requirement.
| Addingham | |
| Barney Lerner | 07879 668641 |
| Christopher Duxbury | 07948 352376 |
| Robert J Hodgson | 01943 839857 or 07732 661739 |
| Sophie Pringle van Berckel | 07880 806013 |
| Askwith and Denton | |
| Christopher Duxbury | 07948 352376 |
| Broughton, Thornton-in-Craven, Earby | |
| Matt Ramsden | 07719 200933 |
| Burley-in-Wharfedale | |
| Mark Cade | 07814 530628 |
| Christopher Duxbury | 07948 352376 |
| Toni Killingray | 07790 409311 |
| Embsay | |
| Monty Pugh | 01756 799093 or 07746 172181 |
| Gargrave | |
| Jon Moreman | 07807 706490 |
| Grassington | |
| Laurie Prowse | 07876 160821 |
| Guiseley | |
| John Watson | 07505 664751 |
| Ilkley | |
| Barney Lerner | 07879 668641 |
| Christopher Duxbury | 07948 352376 |
| Robert J Hodgson | 01943 839857 or 07732 661739 |
| Sophie Pringle van Berckel | 07880 806013 |
| Kettlewell | |
| Sarah Spillet | 07717 696753 |
| Malham | |
| Jon Moreman | 07807 706490 |
| Menston | |
| Anne Jones | 01943 876599 or 07967 894801 |
| Christopher Duxbury | 07948 352376 |
| Middleton and Beamsley | |
| Barney Lerner | 07879 668641 |
| Christopher Duxbury | 07948 352376 |
| Robert J Hodgson | 01943 839857 or 07732 661739 |
| Otley | |
| Christopher Duxbury | 07948 352376 |
| Jenny Liston | 07743 330264 |
| Settle | |
| Jon Moreman | 07807 706490 |
| Silsden | |
| Barney Lerner | 07879 668641 |
| Raymond Clarkson | 01535 655715 or 07905 356516 |
| Skipton | |
| Barney Lerner | 07879 668641 |
| Jon Moreman | 07807 706490 |
| Monty Pugh | 01756 799093 or 07746 172181 |
| Robert J Hodgson | 01943 839857 or 07732 661739 |