Bee swarm collection in Craven, Skipton & Barnoldswick
We collect genuine 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 honey bee 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.
Photo check first
A photo usually lets us confirm whether you are looking at a honey bee swarm, a bumblebee nest or something stripey and entirely uninvited.
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 bee call is a honey bee swarm. A clear photo usually makes life much easier for everyone.
Honey bee swarm
Often looks like a hanging cluster or ball of bees on a branch, fence, shrub or wall. That is the sort of call we may be able to help with.
Bumblebee nest
Often involves bees going in and out of one spot in the ground, a bird box, compost heap, roof space or wall cavity. We do not collect bumblebee nests.
Wasps
Usually brighter yellow, smoother looking, and more likely to be pest control rather than a beekeeper job. We do not remove wasp nests.
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 can usually 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.
Quick questions
Do you collect bumblebee nests?
No — we collect honey bee swarms only. If it is a bumblebee nest, please use our bumblebee advice page.
Do you collect wasp nests?
No — wasp nests are a pest control issue rather than a beekeeper collection.
Is the service free?
Yes, normal local honey bee swarm collection is free.
What should I send?
A photo, your location, and a quick note about where the bees are clustered or entering.
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.
Please note: We collect honey bee swarms only, not bumblebee nests or wasp nests.
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 mins