Questions people ask before reporting
Short answers to the most common questions about swarms, beekeepers and what happens after you submit a report.
Reporting a swarm
Does it cost anything to report a swarm?
No. Reporting is completely free, and beekeepers do not charge to collect a honey bee swarm. Most are volunteers who are glad to save the bees.
How long does it take to report?
About a minute. You share your location, add a photo if you can, and describe the size and height of the cluster. That is enough for a local beekeeper to decide whether to come.
Do I need an account?
No account needed. After you submit, you get a private link so you can follow what happens without signing up for anything.
Can I report from my phone?
Yes. The form is designed for phones — you can complete it from a garden, driveway or balcony while keeping an eye on the swarm.
What happens next
How quickly will a beekeeper arrive?
Usually within a few hours during swarm season (May to July). Swarms often move on within a day or two, so the sooner you report, the better the chance of collection.
Will I be charged if a beekeeper comes out?
No. Collection of a honey bee swarm from an accessible spot is free. If the swarm has moved into a wall, chimney or roof, that is a colony removal — which is specialist work and may have a cost. Beekeepers will tell you upfront.
What if no beekeeper is available?
We widen the search and try other nearby beekeepers. In rare cases during busy spells, no one can come. We will let you know so you can decide what to do.
What if the swarm leaves before anyone arrives?
That is normal — swarms often only rest for a few hours. Just reply on your tracking link to let us know, and we will close the report.
Safety and identification
Is a swarm dangerous?
Swarms are usually very docile. The bees have no hive or young to defend and are full of honey for the journey. Keep a few metres back and people and pets will be fine.
It is in a wall or chimney — still a swarm?
If bees have moved into a cavity and are flying in and out of the same spot for more than a day or two, it is a colony, not a swarm. Collection is much more complex and often needs a specialist.
What if it turns out to be wasps?
Wasps are smooth and bright yellow-and-black, not fuzzy. If you are unsure, the identification guide has photos side by side.
Beekeepers and coverage
Who are the beekeepers?
Local, trained beekeepers who have registered with SwarmBase. Many belong to their regional beekeeping association and have years of experience collecting swarms.
Do you cover the whole UK?
Yes — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Coverage depends on beekeepers being active in each area, and most populated areas have someone nearby.
I am a beekeeper — how do I join?
Visit SwarmBase to register as a swarm collector. You choose the area you cover and only hear about reports nearby.
Can't find your answer?
If the swarm is in front of you right now, don't wait — just report it and a beekeeper will ask any questions they need to.
Bees don't wait. Neither should you.
Reporting is free and takes under a minute.