I decided to write this blog because while there’s plenty of advice available for beekeepers on how to choose good apiary sites and maintain neighbourly relations, there doesn’t seem to be much support for neighbours who are on the receiving end of bee-related problems.
For a couple of years during my beekeeping journey, I volunteered as a British Beekeepers’ Association swarm collector. One summer, I was called out four times to the same suburban address. The reason? An abandoned beehive in the neighbouring garden. The unmanaged colony kept sending out swarms, most of which landed in the fruit trees of the couple next door.
The couple were very tolerant of bees, but the frequent swarms disrupted their ability to enjoy their small garden, host BBQs, and have friends and family over. Thankfully, the bees were calm in temperament—had they been aggressive, the situation could have been far worse. Even so, it was unfair to the couple, and I was frustrated on their behalf. I advised them to try and speak with the property owner and, failing that, contact the BBKA for further guidance. I haven’t had to go back to the property, so I assume the situation has since been amicably resolved which is great.
This experience stuck with me. Poorly managed honeybee colonies, especially when placed in unsuitable locations, can quickly become a nuisance or even a safety concern. For neighbours, the problem might involve frequent stings, swarming bees in their gardens, or feeling unsafe outside. For the bees, living in a poorly managed or stressful environment can lead to health issues, poor foraging, or even colony collapse. This situation also harms the wider beekeeping community, as it can create negative perceptions of responsible beekeeping and impact relationships with neighbours.
A proper site assessment should be part of every beekeeper's plan, but life happens. Beekeeping decisions aren’t always well thought out, and there’s no specific UK legislation governing the placement of hives.
If you’re a non-beekeeping neighbour dealing with problematic bees, it can be daunting to raise the issue... but you have the right to. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the conversation and take appropriate action if necessary.
Disclaimer
The following advice is for general guidance only and is not intended as legal counsel.
How to Address a Problem with Your Neighbour's Bees: 1. Speak with Your Beekeeper Neighbour
The first step is to have an open, respectful conversation with your neighbour. Share your concerns and explain how their bees are impacting you, your family, or your pets.
Many beekeepers may be unaware of the issues their bees are causing and will likely want to address them. Beekeepers have several options for managing troublesome colonies, from requeening hives to relocating them or even reducing hive numbers. If your neighbour is relatively new to beekeeping and unsure what to do, encourage them to reach out to their local beekeeping association for advice and support.
2. Seek Further Guidance If Needed
a. Contact the BBKA for Mediation
If you’ve spoken to your neighbour but the issue persists, or if they’re unresponsive, consider contacting the British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA). They may provide updated advice or even act as a mediator, especially if the beekeeper is one of their members.
Visit the BBKA website for support and contact details: https://www.bbka.org.uk
b. Reach Out to Environmental Health as a Last Resort
As a last resort, you can contact your local Environmental Health office. While I dislike the idea of escalating the situation to this level, I’m a firm believer in responsible beekeeping. If the bees are causing significant distress or disruption, it’s important to prioritise safety and fairness for everyone involved.
Environmental Health offices can offer guidance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which states that landowners have the right to enjoy their property, provided this doesn’t unreasonably impact a neighbour’s enjoyment of theirs.
Important Notes
Getting a single sting does not automatically render the beekeeper next door liable. Liability may only be an issue if the frequency of stings or disruptions significantly impacts your ability to enjoy your property.
Beekeeping is an invaluable and rewarding activity, but it comes with responsibilities. Most beekeepers are passionate about maintaining positive relationships with their communities and will want to resolve issues where they can.
Final Thoughts
As a beekeeper, I share my apiary space with a non-beekeeping neighbour and have a clear plan of action should my bees ever cause concern. Responsible beekeeping benefits everyone—bees, neighbours, and the wider community alike.
If you’re navigating a challenging situation with a neighbouring beekeeper, I hope this guide empowers you to approach the conversation and find a resolution.
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