Worcester Beekeepers

Training Apiary News

Saturday 2nd November
Apiary visit - bee wintering assessment.
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News

Wishing all our members a successful year of beekeeping.

Remember to check that your bees have enough stores to get them through till Spring.

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Swarms

Help & advice

I think I’ve found a swarm. There’s no need to panic though, as long as you leave the bees alone they are not dangerous. If you see a swarm of bees, observe it but do not approach. A swarm of bees can comprise of several hundred bees who form a cluster around their queen to protect her. Bees often swarm during May, June or July is a common occurrence. Before calling your local beekeeping association take down a few details.

  • How big is the swarm, is it visible? Some bees will settle on a tree, fence or wall. This is usually a temporary resting place whilst the scout bees search for a more suitable place to set up home. Often you will find they move on after a few days.

  • Are they are honey bees? – read our guide to identifying honeybees, bumblebees, wasps and hornets

  • Beekeepers will only collect honeybees. They will not collect bumblebees or wasps. Bumble bees (large, round, colourful and furry) and other solitary bees (usually black) often take up residence in cracks in walls, compost heaps, and bird boxes and form very small nests, they rarely sting and will usually be gone by the end of summer. Unless they are causing a problem it is usually safe to leave them as they are, after all they are also important pollinators. Wasps and hornets on the other hand, are brightly coloured, aggressive and usually attracted by sugary produce. They can be removed by a pest control company.

For more information about bumblebees visit www.beeguardianfoundation.org where you will find a wealth of information, and if that whets your appetite then visit www.bwars.com – the Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Society – it’s surprising how many different species there are to see.

If you are still not sure, please give one of our members a call, who will be able to advise.

Beekeepers who are looking for swarms
Vicky Jones – Swarm Co-ordinator – M: 07815 649590
Roy Round – M: 0751 571 9503
For a full list of beekeepers in your area click here

full list of beekeepers in your area

Hive inspection record

This form will help you to keep accurate records of your hive.

Bee ID guide

A short guide to identifying honeybees, bumblebees, wasps/hornets and hoverflies.

Membership form

Become a member. Complete this form.

Sting Information

It is inevitable as a beekeeper or just being around bees that you will at sometime or another get stung!

Branch equipment

Please email Roy Round at villagebees@gmail.com to check availability or to reserve equipment.

Glossary

Glossary of bee keeping terms for reference.