Advice on bees nest and identification

[loobyloo8]

Hi,

Looking for a bit of advice if possible... We have discovered what we think is a bees nest in our compost bin - lots of activity in and out the front hatch approx 40-50 bees in and out in a minute. Haven't used the compost bin since last year so there is potentially a largeish space inside as the compost has rotted away. Haven't opened the lid or anything as didn't want to disturb them. We can hear a loudish buzzing sound when you get close to the bin.

I've tried to make an educated guess that they are honey bees but am not 100% sure. I'm positive they are not wasps and they are definitely not bumble bees as we have lots of them buzzing around our fruit trees at the moment. I'm a massive nature lover and would love a colony of bees in my garden but unfortunately I react badly to insect bites and stings so have to minimise my chance of getting stung.

After doing some online research it seems that it is unusual for honey bees to make a colony in a compost bin which is why I'm after some help with identification.

I've tried to attach some pictures, apologies they are not very clear but it was as close as I was willing to get!

many thanks for anyones help...

 

[pargyle]

Hi,

Looking for a bit of advice if possible... We have discovered what we think is a bees nest in our compost bin - lots of activity in and out the front hatch approx 40-50 bees in and out in a minute. Haven't used the compost bin since last year so there is potentially a largeish space inside as the compost has rotted away. Haven't opened the lid or anything as didn't want to disturb them. We can hear a loudish buzzing sound when you get close to the bin.

I've tried to make an educated guess that they are honey bees but am not 100% sure. I'm positive they are not wasps and they are definitely not bumble bees as we have lots of them buzzing around our fruit trees at the moment. I'm a massive nature lover and would love a colony of bees in my garden but unfortunately I react badly to insect bites and stings so have to minimise my chance of getting stung.

After doing some online research it seems that it is unusual for honey bees to make a colony in a compost bin which is why I'm after some help with identification.

I've tried to attach some pictures, apologies they are not very clear but it was as close as I was willing to get!

many thanks for anyones help...

Look like honeybees ... odds are there will be someone local to you who would collect them .. if nobody on here comes up I suggest you have a look at the BBKA website for your nearest beekeeping association who will have a swarm collector who could sort them out for you. In the meantime just leave them alone, they won't hurt you unless you start trying to get inside the bin .... there will probably be some comb already started - should be quite nice to see with a beekeeper present. If you let us know what town you are near you may get a quicker reponse.

http://www.*************/about/local_associations/find_an_association.php

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

It looks like you have a swarm of honey bees in there - unusual but it has been known for them to use compost bins. Go on to the BBKA website and there should be a local contact on there for swarm collection.

 

[Illo]

Hi Loobyloo -

You are right - these are honey bees, and it sounds from your description that you have a fairly well-established colony now in your compost bin. You did right not to lift the lid, as in all likelihood, they would't be too pleased! And have likely built comb hanging from the inside of the lid down into the void that has been left by the rotting compost.

It's not really a long-term proposition to keep honey bees in your compost bin. If you are keen to have bees in the garden, perhaps investigate some nesting boxes for bumble bees or solitary bees (there are lots of internet links).

In the interim, some of the forum members in Cornwall may be able to help with the honey bees (anyone?) - where in Cornwall are you? Or failing that, you could contact your local beekeeping organisation (http://www.cbka.co.uk/#) who would be able to advise.

well spotted!

All the best,

LJ

 

[theeggman]

Loobyloo,

Whereabouts in Cornwall are you?
It will help any potentials beeks to have a rough idea of distance to you.
Don't put exact details just nearest town etc.

Tim

 

[loobyloo8]

Hi,

We are just outside Perranporth (north coast nearest big town Truro). Thank you for all your responses I'll have a look at the website.

 

[theeggman]

Hi Loobyloo,

Have you found someone to sort your bees for you.
At 54 miles as the crow flies, and that isn't allowing for westcountry roads,it's just too far for me to be able to assist.
There must be someone closer on the forum who could help you out.

Tim

 

[loobyloo8]

Hello,

Yes thank you we are now bee-less - I used the site someone recommended and phoned someone who came and picked the bees up yesterday so am very happy they have gone to a new home.

thanks again for all your help.