When to Call a Bee Inspector in the UK
Last updated: 1 May 2026
Most colony problems can be investigated through careful inspection, mentoring and good records. However, some signs are serious enough that you should seek official advice, especially where foulbrood or a notifiable pest may be involved.
Call or seek advice urgently if you suspect foulbrood
Suspicious brood signs include sunken or perforated cappings, ropy or melted larvae, unpleasant smells, abnormal brood colour, patchy brood combined with colony decline, or anything that looks unlike normal brood development. If foulbrood is possible, avoid moving frames, bees, honey or equipment between colonies.
Other reasons to seek bee inspector advice
- Unusual colony losses affecting more than one hive.
- Serious brood abnormalities that you cannot identify.
- Possible notifiable pest concerns.
- Repeated unexplained colony collapse.
- Advice from a mentor or association suggests official support is needed.
What to do before moving equipment
- Keep the affected hive isolated from other colonies.
- Clean tools and gloves carefully.
- Do not transfer brood frames or comb.
- Take notes and photographs if safe and appropriate.
- Use Bee Health Checker or Colony Health Triage Tool to organise symptoms.
What to read next
For disease signs, start with the Honey Bee Diseases and Pests hub, then compare with Bacterial Diseases, Brood Problems in Bees and Foulbrood vs Chalkbrood.