Beekeeper called to Hadleigh for second time in two weeks after swarm appears at local school
The bees had settled on a post at the back of St Mary's School. Mr Thomas estimated there was about 10,000 in the swarm. Picture: DANIEL THOMAS - Credit: Daniel Thomas
The people of Hadleigh have once again found themselves in a rather sticky situation, after a beekeeper was called for the second time in two weeks to rescue swarms from local schools.
The bees were coaxed into a temporary hive, before being driven back to Colchester. Picture: DANIEL THOMAS - Credit: DANIEL THOMAS
Daniel Thomas, whose company Dedham Vale Honey offers a free collection service, was surprised to be alerted to a swarm at St Mary’s School in Hadleigh – just days after rescuing 20,000 bees from Beaumont Primary, five minutes down the road.
After receiving a message from a concerned parent, Mr Thomas requested a photo to confirm he was dealing with honey bees, before heading straight to the site.
The bees will eventually be rehomed with Mr Thomas' other hives in Dedham. Picture: DANIEL THOMAS - Credit: DANIEL THOMAS
Mr Thomas said: “I was messaged on my Facebook page from a lady saying her daughter had seen bees swarming and starting to settle on a post at the back of St Mary’s School.
“I loaded up my van and headed to the school, I placed a nuc box (half size hive) against the swarm and straight away they started walking into the box.”
Mr Thomas was alerted to the problem when a concerned parent said she had spotted a swarm at St Mary's School. Picture: DANIEL THOMAS - Credit: DANIEL THOMAS
He added: “I waited there about an hour until the bees were inside, I sealed the box up and brought them home to Colchester. They will stay with me until the weekend when I will move them to their permanent home in Dedham.
“I was surprised that in a week I have had two swarms in Hadleigh close to schools, such a coincidence.”
Contrary to popular belief, bees are actually least aggressive when they are swarming – as they don’t have eggs or food to protect.
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However Mr Thomas said it is important to rehome swarming bees before they have a chance to make a home at schools, or in chimneys, when they will likely become more territorial.
