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Local beekeepers are often prepared to collect swarms free of charge, though they do not provide a service for wasps nests, bumble bees or others. (The Local Authority may provide a service for wasp nests, otherwise a private pest control contractor can be found via the telephone directory.)
It is reasonable for the beekeeper to be reimbursed the travel expense of attending to a swarm, and should this be mentioned before arrival then at least you would have been forewarned. Some beekeepers do charge so be sure you make an agreement. Some
beekeepers will collect a swarm because they want the bees to add to their own stocks. But while the bees are being collected a nice cup of tea will rarely be declined.
A swarm will usually go away within a day or so unless captured but they can normally be easily gathered by a beekeeper from a bush or tree unless the swarm is inaccessible or have established a new home when they become more difficult to collect. If the bees have moved into a cavity such a chimney, hollow tree or wall, then it may be impossible to collect and if they are a nuisance may need to be destroyed by a pest control contractor.
More information on swarms can be found on the British Beekeepers' Association website
HAMPSHIRE SWARM CONTACTS:
Andover & District:- John Haverson 01264 781607
Avon Valley:- Bernard Hunt 01425 654385
Basingstoke & District:- Eric & Jenny Denton 01256 882244
Fareham & District: West - Mike Holloway 01489 885159
- East - John Brown 01329 289668
Gosport Sam Summersgill 07891 321788 Mike Alsop 07715 273667
Fleet & District: Keith Brand 01252 850139
Meon Valley & District: Don Burgess 01420 82972
Anne Corden 01730 829277
Meridian: Alan Johnson 01482 892390
New Forest & District: David Cowling 023 8084 8745
Petersfield & District: Greg Cumming 07531 901767
Portsmouth & District: John Perry 02392 468609
- Bob Pendleton 02392 598 353
Romsey & District: Peter Grimes 07717 222373
Southampton & District: Dave Norris 07989 920609
Winchester & District: Duty Coordinator 07017 758191