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.
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.
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.”
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.
You may also want to watch:
“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.
Most Read
- 1 National Trust 'deeply saddened' at death of volunteers in Woodbridge incident
- 2 Murder-suicide probe after couple found dead in Woodbridge
- 3 Major police probe after man and woman found dead in Woodbridge
- 4 Woman dies after car collides with tree in Leiston
- 5 Here's what Bristol City boss Pearson said about CEO Ashton being linked to Town
- 6 Forensic teams at Woodbridge house after 'incident'
- 7 Tudor farmhouse with separate annexe is again for sale for £1.275m
- 8 Woman found dead in country park is named
- 9 The first five jobs for Ipswich Town's new owners
- 10 Paul Cook speaks about Ipswich Town takeover for first time
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.