Bees

[Chrisj]

I would say that they look like a kind of bumble bees. Definitely don't look like honey bees to me (nothing like my honey bees or anyone else's in our bee group anyway).

 

[British Red]

Colin,

There are many species of bumbles - and they vary in size

I think what you may have is tree bumblebees (bombus hypnorum) which are known to inhabit bird boxes

http://bumblebeeconservation.org/images/uploads/Resources/BBCT_Bumblebee_ID_sheet_(big_8).pdf

http://www.bwars.com/index.php?q=content/bombus-hypnorum-mapping-project

http://bumblebeeconservation.org/images/uploads/Bee_Craft_May_2013,_Bombus_hypnorum.pdf

They aren't large as bumbles go -maybe 12-15mm

I could well be wrong - I'm no expert

 

[British Red]

. In England, I've had a purpose-built box on the shed wall for years and never got any interest.

Have you tried using slumgum ged? Its a powerful bee attractor

 

[crosslandkelly]

Thanks Chrisj And Hugh. Is there a humane way to remove them.

 

[British Red]

If they are tree bumblebees, yes. They are likely to not overwinter anyway (they have a short colony life), so will probably die out over winter. They are generally passive, but can sting (although the sting is not barbed so a low dose of toxin is received), so moving them needs a bee suit, is best done at night by someone experienced - and they will have to take the bird box (can it be removed without dismantling it?)

The removal procedure is documented on the third page of this link (numbered page 19)

http://bumblebeeconservation.org/images/uploads/Bee_Craft_May_2013,_Bombus_hypnorum.pdf

Are they causing problems where they are? If not, I would leave well alone!

 

[crosslandkelly]

Are they causing problems where they are? If not, I would leave well alone!

No they are not. This has been my feeling all along Hugh, but I don't want idiot neighbour hassling my elderly mum.

 

[Chrisj]

Point out to them that bumble bees are endangered and protected. That might shut them up.

 

[British Red]

No they are not. This has been my feeling all along Hugh, but I don't want idiot neighbour hassling my elderly mum.

I understand that, what might be best is a call to the local beekeepers association. It is likely that they will say "they are bumblebees and not a problem". This information can be conveyed to idiot neighbour which might mollify him somewhat. You can also invite him to remove them if he wishes

 

[crosslandkelly]

Point out to them that bumble bees are endangered and protected. That might shut them up.

I understand that, what might be best is a call to the local beekeepers association. It is likely that they will say "they are bumblebees and not a problem". This information can be conveyed to idiot neighbour which might mollify him somewhat. You can also invite him to remove them if he wishes

Thanks guys, both of your idea's sit very well with me.