Whitby and District Beekeepers Association

Swarms

Use the questions below to work out what it is you're looking at and find out what to do about it:

Question 1

Are they round and very hairy with a yellow/white or orange band on its tail/bottom? Are they like stripy footballs? Do they make a very loud buzzing sound? Are they living in an old bird box, a compost heap, under the decking, a hole in the ground?

  • Bumble Bee
  • Bumble Bee
  • Bumble Bee
  • Bumble Bee

Yes No

Action

These are Bumblebees Leave them alone if possible. Bumblebees are an important pollinator and rarely sting. Bumblebees are under threat of extinction. For more information contact the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

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Question 2

Are they bright yellow with black stripes? Are they very smooth mainly yellow with black stripes? Is it in the roof of your house? Are they coming from a round nest in a tree? Is there a nest in the shed? Do they have a high pitched buzz? Are they interested in sweet sugary foods?

  • Wasp
  • Wasp
  • Wasp

Yes No

Action

These are Wasps - contact your Local Authority.

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Question 3

Are they very big with a loud buzz? Are they black and brown with a hint of orange? Are they living in the roof or shed? Do they have a very big curved tail?

  • Hornet
  • Hornet
  • Hornet

Yes No

Action

These are Hornets - contact your Local Authority.

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Question 4

Do they have golden brown or dark brown bands? Are they slightly furry? Are they formed in a clump hanging from a tree, gate post, chimney? Are there thousands of them swirling around in the air? Are they the same size as a house fly?

  • Honey Bee
  • Honey Bee
  • Honey Bee

Yes No

Action

These are Honeybees - contact your local Swarm Co-ordinator.

Email: swarms@whitbybeekeepers.co.uk

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Not Sure?

Sorry, we can't help!

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