Moving tree bumble nest

[sjt]

I've been asked to move a tree bumble nest that's in a bird box. In this case it is a reasonable request as it is immediately alongside where several 6 year old children play every day.
Does the usual 3 mile rule apply or can it be moved to the other end of the garden?
I have an out apiary where I can take it several miles away so either way is possible.
I hope to move it about 8 - 9 pm so most foragers should be 'at home'

 

[YorkshireBees]

I guess to be on the safe side move it 3 miles + but the other day I was asked to move one and they wanted to re-locate them at the bottom of their garden. I did it just after a rain storm late evening and after I had finished there were maybe half a dozen back at the original location.

They said they would call me if it became a problem or too many returned to the old site and so far no call.

 

[meetballuk]

i moved one 200meters last friday had queen or drone have a look then flew away on sat or sun. but other than that no returners
3mile rule does not apply.
helpful hint watch the roof theres usually holes they find after u plug the door so tape everywhere quickly.

 

[madasafish]

I have moved 8 to date. Instead of 3 miles, think 300 meters.

I cover the birdhole with varroa mesh and gaffer tape it all... and then attach to tree with gaffer tape.. Works a treat 10 minute job at worst ..


Lots of parents with kids and footballs - do not mix with TB in birdboxes.

 

[masterBK]

I have also moved bumble bee nests to other parts of a garden without any problems. The returners soon find and accept new location and if done in evening even less problems (although they do fly quite late in the evening).

 

[TryingToLetThemBee]

Huge numbers around this year. Huge.

 

[MartinL]

Not sure to be honest, but!

The last thing you'd want would be a handful of confused bumbles getting more & more p!55ed off around the kids. Just enough to sting one each would really create an impression to last a lifetime?

I'd err on the safe side, collect them after dark and move out to somewhere a very good distance away, perhaps on your way back home?

 

[madasafish]

Not sure to be honest, but!

The last thing you'd want would be a handful of confused bumbles getting more & more p!55ed off around the kids. Just enough to sting one each would really create an impression to last a lifetime?

I'd err on the safe side, collect them after dark and move out to somewhere a very good distance away, perhaps on your way back home?

A tree bumble sting is like an injection. No venom.
So it hurts, but unless you have sensitive skin, lasts 48 hours at most.

I took 3-4 stings on reopening the nest when I resited the last one- the impact lasted 30-40 minutes at worst.

As for kids and stings, who over 40 now did not get stung as a kid? I did..