Ireland has 98 species of bees, one of which is our Native Irish Honey Bee, known as Apis Mellifera Mellifera, (AMM).
Honeybees swarm typically from May to July in Ireland, but as beekeepers will tell you there’s nothing typical with bees! So, you may see them at other times. You may also wonder is it a swarm of Honey bees? Or just a nest of wasps or bumble bees?
To learn more about all the species of pollinators in Ireland and where you can send any sightings of unusual insects or creatures, check out Biodiversity Ireland's terrific website.
If you see a swarm in a cluster, hanging from a tree, bush, fence (such as in the photograph) it is most likely a honey bee swarm. The bees have gorged on honey and left the hive with their queen, so they are not interested in you at this time! Immediately contact one of our local beekeepers in your area, listed below and they will come and remove the swarm for you - but only if the swarm is completely accessible. If a beekeeper is not available close to you don't worry, try the next nearest beekeeper on the list. If you click on the telephone number you can make that call directly.
Hard to reach swarms in facia, roofing etc. can need extending ladders, cherry pickers or even scaffolding to get up to the bees, which will incur a cost for both retrieving the bees and repairing any damage. It is much harder to rehome a swarm if it has entered a chimney or int0 the attic or cavity of walls. Do not contact our beekeepers on the list below in this case, as they don't have the equipment or expertise to do such a removal. However, please do contact our member, Tony Lyons 086 8515964 who can help if you are in doubt about swarms in buildings. Swarms.ie also offer such a service nationwide
Below is a list of members who will assist with collecting swarms which are accessible to our beekeepers.
(Contact your nearest beekeeper first. If possible, take a photo of the swarm for assessment. Thank you.)
Arklow: Colm Penston, Mobile: 087 2670987, email: cpenston63@gmail.com
Aughrim: Alan Pierce, Mobile: 086 6695450, email: alan.pierce2013@gmail.com
Bray and surrounds: Kieron Hunt, Mobile: 086 1090315, email: kieronhunt@gmail.com
Kilcroney Honey: Bryan Alexander, Mobile: 089 2666061, email: alexanderbryan@gmail.com (contact Bryan via WhatsApp with a photo of the swarm)
Brittas Bay: Tony Lyons, Mobile: 086 8515964, email: tlyonsbbk@hotmail.com
Delgany/Greystones: Bill Markham, Mobile: 086 6837169, email: markhamw@gmail.com
Enniskerry and surrounds: Alan Grace, Mobile: 0871336956, email: writeitinthebook@gmail.com
Kilcoole, Newcastle, Newtown: Terry Meakin, Mobile: 085 1033924, email: wicklowbeesandhoney@gmail.com
Wicklow Town: Tony Lyons, Mobile: 086 8515964, email: tlyonsbbk@hotmail.com
Seeing a swarm of honey bees can be surprising, but swarming is a natural part of the honey bee life cycle. A swarm is usually temporary while the bees look for a new home.
If you think you have found a honey bee swarm, ABKA may be able to help or guide you towards appropriate advice.
Before contacting us, please check whether the insects are honey bees, bumblebees, wasps or solitary bees, as each requires a different response.