Summer is a time for alfresco eating, sunbathing and yes bees. But Stewart Thorburn says we shouldn't be scared of our buzzing friends.

What do I do If I see a swarm of bees
Don't panic, bees in a swarm are universally in a good mood.

They cannot easily sting even if antagonised as they have gorged themselves with honey and cannot get their bodies into the best position to sting.

If the swarm is not causing a nuisance then leave it, gradually the bees will cluster in a bush or tree and remain there for up to three days. During that time scouts will be sent out to look for a new home, the only problem, may be, they will choose your chimney, so put your fire/ heating on low and enjoy their visit.

If the swarm is a nuisance then the council (01494 421737) usually keep a list of local beekeepers that can help.

How do beekeepers catch a swarm
A swarm is actively looking for a home, so if the beekeeper puts a nice hive with perhaps some old honey comb in it close to where the swarm has settled, then it is easy to persuade them to take up residence. Normally a few bees are dropped into the hive and they then fan their scent to the other bees once it has been approved.

It is a dramatic sight to see a swarm marching into a new hive.

Bees that are already in residence, perhaps in a chimney or old tree, must be removed with their honeycomb containing the young grubs and the queen. If the bees cannot be reached then the beekeeper is helpless and the council or local pest control can destroy the colony.

If you would like to see bees in action, visit the enviroment center down on the Rye. High Wycombe & District Beekeepers Association have an observation hive and you'd be made very welcome to come and see the bees working away doing their thing.

Apart from honey are bees useful?
Yes very, the pollination benefit of bees is calculated to help the economy by millions of pounds per annum. Certain crops yield up to 25 per cent to 40 per cent more if efficiently pollinated and farmers in some areas of the world pay beekeepers to put hives into their fields and orchards.

In the USA alone bees pollinate about ten billion dollars worth of crops per year (1997).

In addition to pollination, bees produce wax for candles and royal jelly. During the middle ages one of the most important jobs in an abbey was the beekeeper, as a huge quantity of wax was constantly required for the ceremonial candles.

What do I do if I get stung?
Bees will not generally sting if unprovoked, usually the bee has been trapped in hair or crushed.

When close to a beehive avoid flapping your arms and moving rapidly, if the bees are antagonised, walk away through undergrowth or trees if possible. If stung scrape the sting out with your fingernail as the sting still pumps venom for some time after the bee has left.

The record number of sustained stings one person has had, and survived to count them is 2,243. Ouch!

Is It true that a bee sting can be good for you?
Old Beekeepers seldom suffer from arthritis or rheumatism and in Russia bee venom is used directly as a treatment of joint conditions. Research is ongoing.

If you think you have a swarm of honey bees call Wycombe District Council on 01494 421737. They will give you the telephone number of Stewart Thorburn, swarm officer with High Wycombe & District Beekeepers Association.