SWARMS

Swarming is the natural way honeybees reproduce at the colony level. When a honeybee colony becomes too large, it raises a new queen, and the old queen leaves the hive with about half the flying bees in a process known as swarming. A typical honeybee swarm consists of 10,000 to 20,000 bees.

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While swarms can appear intimidating, this is usually when the bees are at their most docile, as their primary focus is finding a new home. Beekeepers can safely collect and rehome swarms in a hive where they can thrive. We use a range of tools for this, including a "bucket on a stick" for high swarms, a basket for lower ones, and a Beevac for harder-to-reach swarms. Many of the swarms we’ve collected have since grown into established colonies in our apiaries.

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It's easy to mistake swarms for bumblebees or even wasp nests, so if you’re unsure, take a picture and send it to the beekeeper for proper identification.

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If you encounter a swarm in Thatcham, Newbury, or the wider West Berkshire area, feel free to reach out to us or the Newbury and District Beekeeping Association for assistance. By contacting one of these organizations, you'll ensure that an experienced and insured beekeeper will handle the situation.

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Most honeybee swarm collectors do not charge for this service. In the 2024 swarm season, we helped remove 15 swarms of bees.