As spring temperatures climb across the UK this summer, so too does the activity of one of nature’s most important (and misunderstood) pollinators, the honey bee. This year has seen an exceptional surge in bee swarm reports, with local experts calling 2025 as one of the busiest swarming seasons in recent memory.
From rooftops and conservatories to chimneys and city centre buildings, bees are making their presence felt. And while a sudden swarm can be an alarming sight for homeowners and businesses, it’s actually a natural, healthy part of bee colony behaviour.
Why Are There So Many Bee Swarms This Year?
Warm weather in early spring has triggered an earlier-than-usual bloom across much of the UK, creating an abundance of nectar and pollen. With so much food available, bee colonies have been growing rapidly, and when a hive becomes crowded, bees instinctively prepare to split.
This process, known as swarming, involves the old queen leaving the hive with thousands of worker bees to form a new colony elsewhere. It’s an extraordinary and vital process for bee reproduction, but also one that brings them into contact with homes, gardens, and public spaces.
Swarms in Unusual Places
Reports from across Devon and Bristol show bee swarms taking up temporary residence in everything from the eaves of buildings to chimney stacks. One particularly active case involved a rooftop hive in Bristol that doubled in number due to swarming, while other colonies were rescued from chimneys and relocated to safer habitats by local beekeepers.
Swarms often appear dramatic, with tens of thousands of bees clustering around a queen, despite their intensity, experts say swarming bees are not aggressive. Without a hive to defend, their primary focus is on following the queen and locating a new home.
What Should You Do If You Encounter a Swarm?
The British Beekeepers Association advises anyone who spots a swarm to avoid disturbing the bees, keep children and pets indoors, and contact a local beekeeper or professional pest control company to assist.
We can certainly assist in this instance as we’re fully trained and experienced in managing live bee swarms in line with current UK legislation. Our priority is always to protect both people and pollinators, read more about how as Bee Removal Specialist (and as registered bee keepers) can help with a bee problem.
Our Ethical Approach to Bee Swarm Removal
Unlike general pest infestations, honey bees are a protected and vital part of our ecosystem so it is essential they are handled with care, responsibility, and legal compliance. Here’s how we approach bee swarm call-outs:
- Correct Identification: First, we confirm whether the insects are indeed honey bees. Wasps and bumblebees require different handling.
- Legal Compliance: Bees are not classified as pests in most situations. UK law prohibits the destruction of bee colonies without just cause. ASW follows all relevant DEFRA guidance and ensures any action taken is ethical and permitted.
- Professional Partnerships: Where safe and appropriate, we work with local beekeepers and associations to relocate swarms to suitable environments such as apiaries or rural hives.
- Safe Access and Removal: For swarms in difficult locations, like chimneys or roof voids, our trained technicians can carry out careful, controlled removal using specialist equipment.
A Word on Prevention
While bee swarms are seasonal and usually temporary, preventing access to common nesting sites — such as unused chimneys and soffits is good practice. Our team can advise on discreet proofing options that protect both your property and local wildlife.
Contact ASW Pest Control
If you’ve spotted a swarm on your property or are unsure how to proceed, don’t panic simply contact us on 0800 592011 for assistance. We will provide a rapid and discreet service across Wiltshire and Somerset.
