Bumble Bees

[PaulCarroll]

Whilst out with my dogs, I was approached by a man who knows I keep bees asking if I would come and look/remove some bees that had made their home in a bird nesting box at his home. I asked the usual questions to ascertain whether or not they were honey bees which I was assured they were. You guessed it, when I got there, the nesting box was busy with bumble bees coming and going. I advised that if he could he should leave them if they were not bothering him and the problem would go away as Autumn sets in. This however, did highlight my own lack of knowledge about the humble bumble and I am wondering if there are any dedicated individuals/organisations who would be interested in collecting bees in cases like these, where I fear if the bees start to become a nuisance to the homeowner, they may be harmed in some way. Sorry to display such ignorance, but I suspect this is the right place to find the answers!!


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[oliver90owner]

Simple solution is to close up the bird box late in the evening (they fly quite late into the evening) and relocate it. Far easier than doing a cut-out for honey bees!

 

[PaulCarroll]

Thank you, I did suggest that as a possible option and you confirming my thoughts is very helpful. I will pass it on to my acquaintance.


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[viridens]

Do you have a local wildlife group? The group here are very keen to offer homes to relocated wild bees, and can also be useful if you are looking for out apiary sites by the way.

 

[PaulCarroll]

Not sure. I will check, I am sure there will be something similar in Kent!!


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[Birdie Wife]

I am wondering if there are any dedicated individuals/organisations who would be interested in collecting bees in cases like these, where I fear if the bees start to become a nuisance to the homeowner, they may be harmed in some way. Sorry to display such ignorance, but I suspect this is the right place to find the answers!!

Hi Paul, there the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, which is the only UK charity solely dedicated to looking after bumblebees. They don't collect nests themselves but if the nest is in danger of destruction they give advice about movning them. The species you mention is most probably Tree bumblebees:
(have a look at bumblebeeconservation.org/about-bees/faqs/bumblebee-nests-faq) I can't post links yet, not enough posts!
Tree bumblebees have a short generation and should be vacating the nest space within 2 or 3 months.

 

[44Whitehall]

Dave Goulson's book 'A Sting in the Tale' is worth reading as a gentle primer on bumbles.


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[birdsandbees]

I've currently got a colony of Bumbles in my bird box, I only discovered them a couple of month back when I picked it up from the top of the chicken shed where I'd put it after cutting back the tree it was on and intended to reinstate it, made me jump when they all shot out!
I have had a few calls about Bumble bees and more often than not I can persuade them that they will do no harm and to leave them alone, though I have said I will relocate one lot this weekend as the guy is convinced they will sting his young daughter and I fear he will kill them if left, I have informed him though that I will be taking them in the bird box so he can kiss that goodbye.

 

[PaulCarroll]

Very useful advice as I thought I would get from folks on this forum. I will look at the Bumblebee Conservation Trust info and pass it on.


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