Swarms and Asian Hornet
If you think you have a swarm of bees and they look something like this then local beekeepers will be happy to try and help. We are based in Preston, Lancashire and are only able to collect swarms from the Preston area.
If you are not sure what type of insect is causing you problems, then your first step is to go to the British Bee Keepers Association’s (BBKA) swarm webpages where there is lots of information and pictures to help you with identification.
When you are sure that you have a swarm of honeybees, use the “find a beekeeper” map on the BBKA page and enter your post code. The map will give you information on local beekeepers near you who will be able to help.
If the bees are already established in your property, then you may need specialist help, again there is advice on the BBKA pages and local beekeepers may be able to direct you to local help.
An insect to look out for………Asian Hornet – Vespa Velutina
Vespa velutina, known as the ‘Asian hornet’ is an invasive non-native species from Asia. If you find one you MUST report it. It arrived in France in 2004 and is spreading rapidly. There have been several sightings across the UK. As a highly effective predator of insects, including honeybees and other beneficial species, it can cause significant losses to bee colonies, other native species and potentially ecosystems.
If you spot an Asian Hornet, please report it by using the Asian Hornet Watch app available free on both Android and iphone. Or by filling in this online form
Help to identify the Asian Hornet can be found here.
The BBKA website contains a range of resources that you can order or download to help educate the public about this dangerous predator.
See the latest NBU Asian Hornet fact sheet here. https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/3_Resources_for_beekeepers/Fact_Sheets/Fact_01_Asian_Hornet_Monitoring.pdf
