Swarm Collection
Between April and September, honeybee colonies may swarm.
This is a natural part of the bees’ life cycle and is how colonies reproduce and establish new homes.
A swarm may look alarming, but it is usually temporary and calm. The bees will often settle in one place for a short time while scout bees search for a suitable new site.
If you’ve discovered a honey bee swarm and are searching for beekeepers near you or a local beekeeper in Crawley, Crawley Bees provides free, safe swarm collection across Crawley and surrounding West Sussex areas.
Use the checklist below to help identify whether what you’re seeing is likely to be a swarm:
- The bees are grouped tightly together in a cluster
- They are resting on a branch, fence, wall, post, or similar surface
- There is no visible nest or comb being built
- The bees appear calm, not flying aggressively
- The cluster appeared suddenly, often within a few hours
If most of these apply, it is very likely a honeybee swarm.
Bees flying in and out of a hole in a wall, roof, or tree over several days are not a swarm — this usually indicates an established colony.
What to Do
- Keep a safe distance
- Do not spray, block, or disturb the bees
- If possible, take a clear photo
Then send me a message or get in touch, and I’ll advise on the next steps.
Local Beekeepers in Crawley & West Sussex
Areas Covered
Swarm collection is offered in and around:
- Crawley
- Ifield
- Langley Green
- Three Bridges
- Rowfant
- Haywards Heath
- Surrounding parts of West Sussex
If you’re unsure whether your location is covered, feel free to ask.
Response Times
During the swarming season (April–September):
- Initial response: usually within a few hours
- Collection: often same day, depending on location, access, and weather
Swarm collection is always subject to safety, accessibility, and whether the swarm can be reached without risk.
Looking for a Local Beekeeper Selling Honey?
Many people who contact me for swarm collection later ask where they can buy genuine local honey.
Crawley Bees also produces small-batch raw honey harvested from my own hives across Crawley and West Sussex.
If you’re looking for local honey or a beekeeper selling honey near you, you can buy directly online or collect locally in Crawley.