Bees!

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Discussion

Mr.Chips

Original Poster:

1,030 posts

220 months

Saturday 1st June 2019
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Hi Guys,
My son in law has discovered that he has a colony of white-tailed bees nesting in his roof. Ordinarily, this would not be an issue, but the bees are beginning to cause problems as they are over an area where my 20 month old granddaughter likes to play. We have tried moving her garden toys to another part of the garden, but the bees are still more attentive than any of us are happy with. Is there anything we can do to reduce the likelihood of bee/grandchild interaction? Obviously, we don’t want to imprison her indoors, nor do we want to take any drastic measures against the bees. Any and all positive responses will be gratefully received.

Boosted LS1

21,198 posts

266 months

Saturday 1st June 2019
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I have some in my roof as well but they're not causing issues. Where I went this morning was a small tree swarming with them. I picked up a few tired stragglers and put them onto flowers. They were completely docile.

dundarach

5,290 posts

234 months

Saturday 1st June 2019
quotequote all
We had bees in the bird house when my two where little, new house, new box, bees are back again.

I just carry on as normal, daughter used to play around them, they never caused any issues.

Just ignore them I say.


Who me ?

7,455 posts

218 months

Saturday 1st June 2019
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Might b worth finding a beekeeper.

951TSE

600 posts

163 months

Saturday 1st June 2019
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Sounds like the tree bumble bee:

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/i...

The general rule for any bee is leave them alone and they will leave you alone. So no 'swatting' at them when they fly by. The ones appearing to swarm around the nest are males waiting for a female to emerge so not interested in you. The only thing they really don't like is vibration.

They should be gone by the end of summer.

bexVN

14,682 posts

217 months

Sunday 2nd June 2019
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We have a load of bees that have taken up residency in our compost box!

They have so far caused no issue to any of us including our dogs and children. I have stood right next to the composterand they are not interested in me.

I suspect if they are ignored, they will ignore you and your granchild but I think some bee keepers could help with relocating them as I can understand why that may be the preferred option.

Boosted LS1

21,198 posts

266 months

Sunday 2nd June 2019
quotequote all
951TSE said:
Sounds like the tree bumble bee:

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/i...

The general rule for any bee is leave them alone and they will leave you alone. So no 'swatting' at them when they fly by. The ones appearing to swarm around the nest are males waiting for a female to emerge so not interested in you. The only thing they really don't like is vibration.

They should be gone by the end of summer.
Those are what I have. The link says the males don't have stings so presumably just the queens? I've rescued 3 of those from my workshop recently.

Mr.Chips

Original Poster:

1,030 posts

220 months

Sunday 2nd June 2019
quotequote all
Thanks guys. Have passed the info to my son in law and he is reassured.