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Dartford Beekeepers are a branch of the Kent Beekeepers Association

Registered Charity—222946

Site updated Wednesday, April 28, 2010— Revision150

To contact Dartford beekeepers webmaster click here

Copyright 2010 Dartford Beekeepers

This is a normal part of the bees lifecycle in a colony. It takes place when an old queen or a newly hatched young queen decides to leave the colony, with possibly half the worker bee population. They fill up with honey and go off in search of a new home, and will often find a convenient tree in which to hang from while scout bees go off in search of somewhere more suitable like a hole in a tree, a building or even a compost bin

Swarms

Why do Bees Swarm?

When they swarm they are usually docile as they are looking for a new home and as such are not normally interested in humans.

You may think a lot of bees are attracted to the nectar in flowers, trees and shrubs are a swarm this is not the case. When at rest they will form a cluster larger than a tennis ball but more typically the size of a football or even larger.

If you are concerned you have a swarm or just need advice, then please get in contact with us. The numbers can be found on the contact page, an e-mail address will be available shortly.

We will endeavour to help you in the best way we can by collecting them for you, or putting you in touch with somebody who can.

Below are pictures of a honeybee and a wasp, to allow you to see the difference.

If it is honeybees you have then click on the picture to send an e-mail.

Apis Mellifera

Wasp