‘Don’t panic’ – Swarms of thousands of bees to descend on county

Beekeeper Simon Freebairn is urging people not to panic as honeybees begin to swarm later this month.

Seeing a swarm, often around the size of a rugby ball, can be quite alarming but Mr Freebairn says there is nothing to worry about.

“Most people, the first thing they do is get in a panic,” he said.

“It can be quite a terrifying sight when you first see a swarm but really at that time they are probably at their least aggressive.”

A swarm collected by Simon Freebairn from St Peters (Image: Simon Freebairn)

Swarming is a natural process as part of the bee’s reproduction cycle.

The queen leaves with up to half of the hive and finds somewhere to hang in a cluster.

Scout bees then head off to decided on a new home for the colony.

Swarming typically begins at the end of April and continues through until the end of June or early July.

Often there is a peak on clear days after poor weather, when temperatures approach the high teens.

Mr Freebairn, 65, is one of many swarm collectors in the county who will come out, free of charge, to collect the honeybees and provide them with a new home.

Last year he collected a total of 14 swarms, including one from RGS Worcester and others in St Peters, Hallow and his hometown, Ombersley.

“I would urge anyone who finds a swarm to stay back, keep kids away, and just call a beekeeper and not to contact pest control,” he said.

“Although bees aren’t protected, the ethics of killing bees is certainly not a good one.

“People are starting to understand just how important they are. They say that 70 per cent of the world’s crops wouldn’t exist without bees.”

Simon collected this colony in Ombersley last summer (Image: Simon Freebairn)

Your local swarm collector can be found on the British Beekeeping Association website.

It is important to note that they will likely only be able to help with honeybee swarms.

The BBKA urges people not to use chemicals or other pesticides on bees and advises that bumblebees should be left alone as they are valuable pollinators and some are endangered.