Bees
A Bee-friendly approach

We offer specialist services for the recovery of Bees wherever possible, this applies to Bumblebee nests, Honey Bee swarms and established feral Honey bee colonies. As active beekeepers ourselves we will do all we can to recover and relocate bees. Bees can sting and for customers who suffer anaphylactic shock we understand how serious the problem may be..
Bumblebees

Our humble bumblebee is really quite harmless unless threatened, however we understand that they can make its nest in unsuitable, inconvenient places, sometimes most dangerous to those suffering from anaphylactic shock from stings. Often a nest which is causing a nuisance can be removed and relocated, allowing them to continue with little disruption to the cycle of the nest.

There are about 24 species of bumblebee in the UK, with 6 species being the most common. They live in small nests and frequently find a suitable nesting place in cavity walls, behind facia boards and very often in bird boxes. Bumble bees are generally not aggressive and they will not attack unless their life or their colony is under threat. Vibrations from building works or repairs would disturb the bees. If bumblebees have chosen to move in where they cannot stay, please call us to talk through the individual situation.
Honeybees

Swarms: We collect Honeybee swarms and relocate them to well looked after hives, most often to beekeepers within our local association. Swarming season is usually from May through to July, weather depending!

Swarming is natural; it happens when a healthy colony has increased in size and is looking for a new home. A swarm of bees may appear alarming with thousands of bees swailing around, they then gather into a cluster of around 20,000 bees. Swarms often gather on shrubs, trees or buildings (including chimneys) however they can decide to pitch anywhere such as cars, lamp posts, playhouses etc. Normally honeybee swarms are not aggressive. This is because they have gorged themselves on honey stores and no longer have a home to defend. However, if provoked, a swarm will become increasingly defensive the longer it remains at a location so you must not disturb them. Children and animals must be kept well away from the swarm and adults should remain at a safe distance or go indoors and close the windows. If you have a swarm we recommend you act as quickly as possible, one minute they may be happily sitting on a branch in the garden the next moment they could have taken up residence within the structure of your building. The bees will quickly build a feral colony which they have no intention of leaving, the colony is perpetual and will potentially continue for an unlimited duration.

Never attempt to destroy or move a swarm yourself. The bees can still sting. Our staff are extremely experienced in removing swarms of honey bees from all sorts of places and will make every effort to preserve the swarm, we are active members of the Romsey and District Beekeepers Association and often pass swarms to experienced members.

Feral Colonies: Honeybee work has become quite a specialism largely due to fact that where possible saving the Honeybee is our priority, we always look for ways to relocate them alive. We are keen beekeepers ourselves and fully understand the bees cycle, what to look out for regarding diseased colonies and the correct procedures to follow. Unfortunately Honeybees can swarm to the most awkward, unwanted places, in chimneys, cavity walls, lofts etc. Once settled they intend to set up home and within a very short time will become very established therefore creating a feral colony. Every situation is different and a survey will be essential before a solution can be put in place.
The Honeybee colony, once established, will stay for good unless it dies out due to natural or disease causes, even then the wax comb structure filled with sweet nectar, honey and pollen is a strong natural magnet which if left can attract further honeybee swarms. Sometimes other pests will be attracted to the food source of honey and nectar (eg. insects or rodents).

The law determines the recommended procedures we follow. We are members of the NPTA (national pest technicians association) and abide by the ‘Code of Practice relating to the Control of Feral Honey Bees’. Complete removal of all built wax and other substances is essential.

Please do call to have an initial discussion about your situation, we are very happy to give advice.