The Summer Spectacle: Understanding Bee Swarms in Bristol & Bath Gardens
If you’ve ever walked into your garden in Keynsham, Saltford, or Clifton on a warm May afternoon and heard a sound like a low-flying jet engine, you’ve likely witnessed one of nature’s most incredible events: the honey bee swarm.
Seeing thousands of bees suddenly cloud the air and settle in a massive, writhing clump on the branch of an apple tree or a garden fence can be terrifying. However, as a second-generation bee and wasp expert, I’m here to tell you that this is actually when honey bees are at their most peaceful.
At Kwik Care Pest Solutions, we carry on a family legacy that started with my father’s fascination with beekeeping in his 20s. We don't just "clear pests"; we understand the biology of the insects sharing our Bristol and Bath landscape. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into why bees swarm, why they love your fruit trees, and why you should never reach for the fly spray when you see one.
What Exactly is a Bee Swarm?
A swarm is not an attack; it is a moving day. In the world of honey bees, swarming is the natural method of reproduction—not for an individual bee, but for the entire colony.
When a hive becomes too crowded (usually between April and July), the old queen decides it’s time to move out. She takes about half of the worker bees with her to find a new home, leaving the remaining bees and a new "princess" queen to take over the old hive.
The "Scout" Phase
Before they find a permanent home (like a hollow tree or, unfortunately, a chimney in Bath City Centre), they need a place to wait. They find a temporary "bivouac" or staging post. This is usually a tree branch, a garden gate, or even a parked car.
Why Do They Choose Apple Trees and Branches?
It’s very common to see swarms hanging from fruit trees. There are several reasons why your Somerset garden might be the chosen spot:
Height and Security: A branch provides a central point for the bees to cling to each other. They form a "living chain" by hooking their legs together, protecting the queen at the center of the ball.
Pheromone Trapping: The queen releases a "nasnov" pheromone (a scent) that tells the workers where she is. A branch allows that scent to travel easily on the breeze so stragglers can find the group.
Local Geography: Areas like Willsbridge, Bitton, and the Chew Valley are full of orchards and gardens. To a bee, a sturdy apple tree branch is the perfect "airport lounge" while scout bees fly out to look for a permanent home.
The Surprising Truth: Why Swarming Bees Rarely Sting
It looks scary, but a swarm is actually the safest time to be around honey bees.
No House to Protect: Bees usually sting to defend their honey stores or their young (brood). In a swarm, they have no hive, no honey, and no babies. They have nothing to defend.
Full Bellies: Before leaving the old hive, every bee gorges themselves on honey to fuel the flight. They are effectively "food drunk" and physically too bloated to easily bend their abdomens to sting.
How to Identify the Visitors
Before you call us, it's helpful to know exactly what you are looking at. A swarm of honey bees looks like a solid mass of brown/gold fur. If the insects are coming in and out of a hole in the ground or a wall, they are likely wasps or bumblebees, not a honey bee swarm.
Why You Should Never Use Chemicals on a Swarm
If you see a swarm in Bristol or Bath, your first instinct might be fear. But please, do not spray them.
Environmental Impact: Honey bees are vital for our local food chain. From the farmers in Radstock to the allotments in Fishponds, we need these pollinators.
It Won't Work: Spraying the outside of a swarm will only agitate the thousands of bees inside. It creates a dangerous situation where there wasn't one before.
Legal Protections: Bees aren't technically "protected" by law like bats, but the chemicals used to kill them can have massive "knock-on" effects for other local wildlife.
The Kwik Care "Bee-First" Policy
Because of my dad’s background, Kwik Care Pest Solutions operates with a conscience. When a customer in Keynsham or Saltford calls us about a swarm, we don't just turn up with a spray tank.
Our Process:
Identification: We ask for a photo or describe the bees over the phone to confirm they are honey bees.
Advice: If the swarm is high in a tree and not bothering anyone, we often advise leaving them. They will usually move on within 24–48 hours once their scouts find a permanent home.
Relocation: If the swarm is a risk to the public, we work with the Bristol Beekeepers Association or Bath Beekeepers to find a local beekeeper who can safely collect the swarm and give them a new hive.
What to Do If You Find a Swarm in Your Garden
If you look out your window and see a "beard" of bees on your tree:
Keep Your Distance: You don't need to stay inside, but don't go poking the swarm with a stick.
Close Windows: Just in case a few "scouts" get confused and fly inside.
Keep Pets Away: A curious dog jumping at a swarm could get a nasty surprise.
Wait: Most swarms are gone by the next morning.
Call an Expert: If they are in a dangerous place (like over a doorway or near a school), call us for advice.
The Importance of Local Expertise in 2026
As a small, independent company, we take pride in knowing our local area. We know that a swarm in Bathwick might behave differently than one in the windy heights of Lansdown.
We also know that the Cost of Living has hit everyone hard. That is why our advice is always free, and if we do need to come out to assess or help with a relocation, we keep our prices fair. We put our customers' pockets—and the local environment—first.
My father started this by helping local people with their "bee issues" in his 20s. Today, I am proud to carry that on, ensuring that the bees of Bristol and Bath are respected, while the people are kept safe.
Conclusion: Living Harmoniously with Nature
Seeing a bee swarm is a rare and beautiful glimpse into the life of a super-organism. It is a sign that our local environment in Somerset and Gloucestershire is healthy and thriving.
Next time you see that "ball of bees" on an apple tree, remember: they aren't there to hurt you. They are just a family looking for a new home, much like any of us.
Need advice on a swarm? Or have a wasp nest that definitely isn't friendly? Call Harry at Kwik Care Pest Solutions today on 07581858094. Professional, family-run, and local to Bristol & Bath.
