How to move bees

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By Rosie Macdonald of The Field

Monday, 21 April 2008

Last summer a colony of bees took up residence in my attic. I have no wish to harm the squatters, but would like them to change address. They are dormant for now. Is there a humane way of getting rid of them?

The ideal time to move bees is early to mid March when the population of the colony will be smaller than at other times and easier to manage.

Your local swarms officer will need to assess the site before any action is taken, but he is likely to suggest one of the following. If the colony is inaccessible he will remove the bees with a vacuum cleaner. They will be unharmed by this and the bag will serve as a temporary hive until the bees are transferred in to an apiary. If it is possible to enter the attic and the bees are in a hanging position, a basket will be placed underneath, the cones cut and placed in the basket and covered with a secure net and they will be removed to an apiary.

For more details call Clifford McLean, the Oxfordshire Bee-keepers’ Association swarm liaison officer, on 01993 774895.

Send queries to Rosie Macdonald, Country Queries Editor, The Field, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU or email Country Queries.

The Field cannot accept any legal responsibility for answers given in these columns.