Following advice from DEFRA, during the Coronavirus epidemic, WE ARE STILL ABLE TO COLLECT SWARMS, but must observe social distancing restrictions and will not be prepared to enter homes.
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 swarm officers provide 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. There is information and a 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 discovered a swarm, immediately contact your local Association Swarm Officer (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 or interfere with the bees.
For WBKA members, anyone wanting a swarm should give their details to either Bob Hodgson – details in Combings. Anyone with a swarm looking for a home should also contact Bob who will try to match offer with requirement.
Association Swarm Officer Contacts 2020
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.
| Addingham | |
| Andrew Hinchcliffe | 01943 601347 or 07749 623653 |
| Robert J Hodgson | 01943 839857 or 07732 661739 |
| Burley-in-Wharfedale | |
| Anne Jones | 01943 876599 or 07967 894801 |
| Earby | |
| Margaret Brown | 07879 447438 |
| Embsay | |
| Monty Pugh | 01756 799093 |
| Grassington | |
| Laurie Prowse | 07876 160821 |
| Guiseley | |
| John Watson | 07505 664751 |
| Ilkley | |
| Andrew Hinchcliffe | 01943 601347 or 07749 623653 |
| Robert J Hodgson | 01943 839857 or 07732 661739 |
| David Powell | 07766 763798 |
| Menston | |
| Anne Jones | 01943 876599 or 07967 894801 |
| Otley | |
| Jenny Liston | 07743 330264 |
| Silsden | |
| Raymond Clarkson | 01535 655715 or 07905 356516 |
| Skipton | |
| Monty Pugh | 01756 799093 |
| Robert J Hodgson | 01943 839857 or 07732 661739 |