Bee swarm in your garden, hedge, wall or tree?
We collect honey bee swarms across Thornton-in-Craven, Skipton, Barnoldswick and the wider Craven area. The service is free, and the easiest way to get hold of us is by text or WhatsApp.
Please send a photo, your location, and where the bees are clustered. That usually speeds things up nicely.
What we do
If you have a genuine honey bee swarm, we may be able to collect it safely and rehome it. We are based in Thornton-in-Craven, North Yorkshire, and cover the local area around Craven, including Skipton and Barnoldswick.
Free service
There is no charge for normal local swarm collection. Just send a message with a photo and location.
Fast contact
Text or WhatsApp is best. We aim to get back to you within about 30 minutes, depending on availability.
Safe assessment
Photos help us confirm whether they are honey bees and whether the swarm is accessible for collection.
Areas covered
We are based in Thornton-in-Craven and mainly cover Craven and nearby areas. If you are just outside these places, still send a message — we may still be able to help.
Photos
A few real shots from our own bees and hive work.
Are these honey bees?
Not every stripy insect is a honey bee. A quick photo usually helps us tell the difference before anyone declares war on the hedge.
Honey bees
Usually brown-gold, smaller and less bright than wasps, and often found clustered together in a calm hanging swarm.
Wasps
Brighter yellow, smoother-looking, and more likely to fly in and out of a hole, roof space or wall cavity rather than hang in a swarm.
Bumblebees
Larger, rounder and much fluffier. These are not usually swarm collections, but send a photo and we will try to point you in the right direction.
Best thing to send us
A clear photo, your location, and whether the bees are hanging in a cluster or going in and out of a hole.
Important
We collect honey bee swarms where possible. We do not provide pest control for wasps.
How it works
1. Send a text or WhatsApp
Include your location, a photo if possible, and a quick note about where the bees are.
2. We confirm what they are
We will usually be able to tell whether it looks like a honey bee swarm and whether collection is possible.
3. We arrange collection
If suitable and accessible, we will arrange to come out and collect them safely.
Before you message
Please do
Send a photo, share the location, and mention whether the swarm is low enough to reach safely.
Please do not
Spray them with insecticide, hose them down, or disturb them unnecessarily. A calm cluster is usually much easier to collect.
Contact Craven Bees
Text or WhatsApp is preferred. We are based in Thornton-in-Craven, North Yorkshire, and aim to get back to you within around 30 minutes.
Mobile: 07900 980494
Preferred contact: Text or WhatsApp
Base: Thornton-in-Craven, North Yorkshire
Typical response time: We aim to get back to you within 30 minutes