Has anyone a telephone no. for the bee keepers association in Birmingham? The bees on a plot near me have swarmed twice onto other plots. The plotholder came and caught them and put them back in hive. However he goes on holiday soon and I would like to be able to contact someone for advice if they come onto my plot. Do bees ever swarm after July? He says not.
Find a swarm collector -
http://www.bbka.org.uk/help/find_a_swarm_coordinator.php
I am based in Telford and on my freegle a fella from Church Stretton put up his number if anyone had a swarm as he can collect in Shropshire and Staffordshire - but he might be able to go as far as Birmingham!!
Name was Barry and number is 01694 723854
Sorry, can't help with a number, but bees can swarm in July. Though it's not as common as May or June, happily. And in general beekeepers try to "manage" the hives to minimise the risk.
As this proverb shows it's not something the beekeeper wants!
A swarm in May is worth a load of hay; a swarm in June is worth a silver spoon; but a swarm in July is not worth a fly
I shouldn't worry though, even if they swarm they'll do so to a nearby location, but they'll have scouts out looking for a better home asap. So they shouldn't bother you for long. The beekeeper won't be too pleased that his bees have gone, but the bees don't often do what we want them to do!
Thanks for replies.
Will keep a note of the number. I am sure he would give advice.
Why does the value vary I wonder.
Why does the value vary I wonder
Well...earlier the colony swarm, better chance they have to grow big enough colony to survive the winter and the May swarm should have chance to grow quick enough for the July nectar flow and to produce some honey in their 'first' year, thus being most valuable for the beekeeper.