Bumblebees around hive

[BernardBlack]

Last couple of times I’ve been to the apiary, I spotted a bumblebee or two flying around the hive, and now and again one doing its best to enter.

I had reduced hive entrance anyway, so they didn’t get in - while I was there anyway. But what would be the consequences of one (or more) getting inside?

And is there anything I can do to deter them?

 

[thedozzer]

If you do a search on the forum, you will see some pics of what Honey bees do to bumble bees, its not pretty, they normally pull all their hair out, bite of all there legs at the knee and antennae then throw them out the hive, every time i see one near the hive entrances i keep thinking don't do it!!

https://beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=43276

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Last couple of times I’ve been to the apiary, I spotted a bumblebee or two flying around the hive, and now and again one doing its best to enter.

queen bumbles - never going to be enough to cause a problem

what would be the consequences of one (or more) getting inside?

death for the bumble

And is there anything I can do to deter them?

apart from stopping your bees making honey? no - they are not a problem for the bees anyway

 

[BernardBlack]

That’s good to know - not what they do to the bumblebees - but that the bumblebees won’t be a problem.

Thanks for that.