ARE YOU SURE?
Many people do not know the difference between the various kinds of
bees and assume they have a swarm of honeybees when they may have a
wasps' nest or a bumble bees' nest instead.
HOW WILL I KNOW?
Honeybees may be light coloured - a dull yellow and brown - through
to dark brown. By contrast, wasps have a very distinct bright yellow and
black markings. Bumble bees are usually larger than honeybees or wasps,
are very "furry" and may be black and yellow, black with a
white tail or orange tail.
WHAT IS A SWARM?
Sometimes a colony of bees becomes too big for its home - hive,
hollow tree, disused chimney etc. - and then the queen and many of the
bees leave to find a new home. This is a swarm.
Whilst doing this they may pause and hang in a large cluster on a
convenient tree, bush or post.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Don't panic. They will not hurt anyone unless disturbed.
Before leaving their old home they fill themselves with honey and are
quite docile. Leave them alone and contact one of the following:
- Your Local Police Station ( Never 999)
- Your District Council
- The Citizens Advice Bureau
They can put you in touch with a beekeeper who will come and remove
the swarm for a small charge.
PLEASE REMEMBER
Please remember that all kinds of bees (and many other insects) are
valuable for pollination - Never destroy them needlessly.
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