What type of bees do I have

[Sharocl]

Hi,
Found some bees hanging out of my bird box, can anyone identify them?
Thanks

 

[kighill]

Type of Bees

They look like Honey bees to me.

 

[darren64]

Its a honey bee swarm,do you have a local beekeepers association you can ring?

 

[Sharocl]

Thank you, I suspected that, but was told by Berkshire Beekeepers that because they were in a bird box they were Bumble Bees

 

[darren64]

they are probably fed up of being called out to swarms that turn out to be bumble bees.

 

[Sharocl]

I'm happy with them in the garden - However I know nothing about them, will they be ok if I just leave them there?

 

[chickendave]

I am the swarm collector for our local branch and have had a lot of calls for swarms that have turned out to be bumble bees
Before I go out and have a look at a swarm they have to tick all the correct boxes other wise I do not go
This year seems to be a very good year for bumble bees, but the picture you are showing they are clearly honey bees and clearly a swarm worth someones while collecting
I would contact Berkshire beekeepers again in the morning saying you have been on this forum and they have been identifided as honey bees and can they get in contact with someone who is willing to collect them
Good luck and would be interested on how you get on

 

[Swarm]

...And what an easy job that will be.

 

[MuswellMetro]

I'm happy with them in the garden - However I know nothing about them, will they be ok if I just leave them there?

yes honeybees, the problem is the box is a bit small, which is why they are bearding on the outside

really they need to be moved to a new hive, if they are to survive the winter

 

[susbees]

Thank you, I suspected that, but was told by Berkshire Beekeepers that because they were in a bird box they were Bumble Bees

That sort of thing drives me nuts. Ask enough questions or ask for an emailed photo, surely not that hard...

 

[Mike a]

Not a bad little swarm, surprised they choose to go in there unless they knew the weather was changing and hadn't found else where. I suspect they will move on again soon.

 

[Sharocl]

OK. Just tried again, saying that they were CONFIRMED honey bees - The guy told me he was certain they were Bumbles ! - I understand, must be annoying to get people insist they are honeybees and waste journeys, so I have sent a picture, and await his response.

 

[kazmcc]

Jeez! Maybe they are short of equipment lol. Seems like an ideal swarm for a beginner to collect!

I hope they reply soon, and come and collect them. Red faces and all

 

[freethorpe bees]

I wish I was nearer I'd come and collect them, never collected a swarm before and that one would be a good one to start with!

Good luck, hope they finally believe you.

 

[Elaine]

Is this swarm still there?
Where abouts in Berkshire? we may be able to help or know some one who can

 

[Sharocl]

They are being collected tonight, such a shame I’m really going to miss those little buzzers, but at least they will be safe for the winter in proper accommodation.

Massive thanks for everyone’s helpful comments I have enjoyed the education.

 

[David P]

Collected a honey bee swarm from a bird box myself early in the year. Lovely to collect quick spot of tape over entrance hole. Unscrew on screw and thankyou very much i will let you have the box back tomorrow.
As to bumble bees may be time for a change of thinking, rather than coming over as a set of grumpy old buggers, why not try to be helpful and add to general education of the public. We cant really expect the public to care about bees just as long as they are only honey bees.

As a complete side note, when removing the bees from the birdbox i discovered a bumble bee colony alrady in residence, now my garden has a honey bee colony and a bumble bee colony so i know my tomatoes will be polinated.

David