LEEDS BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION
Affiliated with the Yorkshire Beekeepers Association and British Beekeepers Association
As an affiliate of both the British Beekeepers Association and Yorkshire Beekeepers Association, Leeds Beekeepers Association discourages the importation of both honey bee queens and colonies from outside the UK.
SWARMS
During the months between April and September, honeybee colonies may swarm. Honeybees do this as part of their reproduction process to increase their numbers and it is an amazing and natural phenomonem. If you have encountered a swarm and require assistance, then we can help you. Please note that unfortunately we DO NOT remove or relocate bumble bees, wasps or hornets.
If the honeybees are clustered such as illustrated on this page, and in an easily accessible location within Leeds or the surrounding areas of West Yorkshire, then we can arrange for a beekeeper to collect the swarm.
Our Association has a number of experienced beekeepers across the Leeds area, who will collect and re-home swarms of honeybees. Every swarm is different. Some swarms may be removed quite quickly, others may take several hours or require a return visit late in the evening to ensure all bees are collected.
There is no charge for the removal of honey bee swarms that we can safely access.
Before calling us, please take a few minutes to ensure a positive identification of a honeybee swarm using the information on this page.
Note that honeybees are small and vary in colour from golden brown to almost black. Bumblebees are often confused with honeybees, but they tend to be rounder, larger and furrier. Typically bumblebees may create a nest in bird boxes, under decking or in a compost heap.
Wasps are a similiar size to honeybees, but appear smoother and are mainly yellow with black stripes. Wasps typically may create nests in your roof space or your shed.
If you have made a positive identification that it is a honeybee swarm, then please call our swarm co-ordinator below.
This number may be busy but keep trying until you get through. Please do not text or send picture messages or email photos or videos of your observations unless you are specifically asked to by our swarm co-ordinator.
Swarm Collection Co-ordinator
Tel: 07310 177203