Honey bee swarms
A cluster of bees hanging from a branch, fence, post or similar spot can often be collected and rehoused.
Free local bee swarm collection
Seen a swarm of bees?
Seen a swarm of bees?
We can collect it for free.
Craven Bees offers a free bee swarm collection service in Thornton-in-Craven, Skipton, Barnoldswick and the wider Craven area. The quickest way to contact us is by text or WhatsApp, and we usually reply within 30 minutes.
📍 Based in Thornton-in-Craven, North Yorkshire
⏱️ Usually replies within 30 minutes
💷 Free service
What we collect
We collect honey bee swarms where it is safe and practical to do so. Swarms often look dramatic, but they are usually at their calmest when clustered together temporarily while looking for a new home. Tiny striped air-force, mild panic, very poor at online booking forms.
Photos help
If you can safely send a photo and postcode, it makes it much easier to assess and plan collection.
Not wasps or bumblebees
We focus on honey bee swarms. We may not be able to help with wasps, hornets, or established nests inside buildings.
Areas covered
Based in Thornton-in-Craven, North Yorkshire, we cover the local area including:
- Thornton-in-Craven
- Skipton
- Barnoldswick
- Earby
- Gargrave
- Settle
- Carleton
- Glusburn & Cross Hills
Need help quickly?
The fastest option is to send a text or WhatsApp message with:
- Your name and postcode
- A photo of the bees if possible
- Where the swarm is located, for example tree, hedge, wall or roof edge
- Whether the bees are safely accessible from ground level
How it works
Keeping it simple is the whole point. No forms, no faff, no mysterious hold music.
1
Message us
Text or WhatsApp 07900 980494 with your location and, if possible, a clear photo of the swarm.
2
We assess it
We will confirm whether it looks like a honey bee swarm and whether collection is likely to be possible.
3
Collection arranged
If suitable, we will arrange collection and safely remove the swarm free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the service really free?
Yes. We offer free collection of suitable honey bee swarms in our local coverage area.
How quickly do you reply?
We usually respond within around 30 minutes, though timing can vary depending on work, travel and whether we are already out collecting.
What if the bees are inside a wall, chimney or roof?
Established colonies inside structures are different from swarms and may need a different approach. Send a message with details and a photo if possible, and we will advise if we can help.
Do you collect wasps, hornets or bumblebees?
No, this page is for honey bee swarms. If you are unsure what you have found, send a photo and we will try to point you in the right direction.
What should I do while waiting?
Please keep people and pets away from the immediate area, avoid spraying the bees, and do not attempt to move them yourself.
Need a swarm collected?
Text or WhatsApp is best. Send your location, a photo if you have one, and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.