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Honey Bees are not only a protected species but vital for pollination of crops and many flowering plants. A swarm of bees is very unlikely to sting. Swarms in the New Forest normally occur between April until mid July and it is their means of colony reproduction.

The most common insects are honeybees, bumblebees and wasps. There are other kinds of insects that are confused with these. 

This section aims to help the general public tell them apart and what to do after that.

How to recognise a swarm

When bees swarm, they will gather in a ten to twenty meter area and will try to cluster on a branch or bush or even under the eves of a roof. This will continue for an hour or so, but they will eventually settle down and the large hanging cluster of bees will be clearly visible - this is a swarm.

What will a swarm do

In this state the bees will be docile and can be quite easily be collected by a beekeeper.  A swarm is usually a temporary phenomenon as the bees will be sending out scouts to look for a permanent home.  When a new home is found, usually within 24 hours, the bees will fly off to start a new colony.

For further detailed information on swarms visit website of the British Beekeepers' Association by clicking on the following link.

British Beekeepers' Association Swarm Advice 

If you have decided that you do have a swarm near your house or in your garden please refer to our Swarm collection page