Why do bees swarm?

Swarming is the natural means of reproduction of honey bee colonies. A new honey bee colony is formed when the queen bee leaves the colony with a large group of worker bees, a process called swarming. In the prime swarm, about 60% of the worker bees leave the original hive location with the old queen. This swarm can contain thousands to tens of thousands of bees. Swarming is mainly a spring phenomenon, usually within a two- or three-week period depending on the locale, but occasional swarms can happen throughout the producing season.

* If you see a swarm, remember it's a good thing, but do not interfere with it yourself.   

* If you are in the Lancaster/Lune valley area contact our swarm co-ordinators                             

Telephone: 01524858247

They will advise you and organise a local beekeeper to deal with the problem if appropriate.

Outside this area

* Visit www.britishbee.org.uk and click the SWARM link to find out useful information and your local swarm officer.

* Alternatively call the British Beekeepers Swarm Line on 07896 751205 open Mon – Friday 9.00 am to 5.30 pm.

* Or alternatively, contact the local council or police station