Bee's in bird box

[CapAndBracket]

Any ideas on identity of these bee's that have decided to nest in a bird box.



They really don't want to stay still for a photo, so am going to put out something
sweet to try for better images, (not going to get a lot of work done but this don't
happen to often).



Cheers J.P.

[aeshna5]

Bombus hypnorum, a recent coloniser in UK, that does seem partial to nest boxes. Eucera is asking for all records of this species for mapping it's current spread.

[CapAndBracket]

Excellent, will he see the thread or wish for a PM with details.

Cheers J.P.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by CapAndBracket

Excellent, will he see the thread or wish for a PM with details.

Cheers J.P.

I think he may be away at the moment as he hasn't posted for a few days or so. There was a thread posted fairly recently requesting records, but I'd pm him with date, location (with grid reference if possible) + your details.

[bumblerumble]

Hello,

I am new to this forum so apologies if I am putting this in the wrong place.

Like you we seem to have a group of bees who have taken to one of our nest boxes. There must be atleast 15 of them on the outside buzzing away.

This box is quite near to our house, and as I do not know enough about them.
Do they sting as we have a small child?

What is the best way to move them safely before they grow in size and nest?

Thanks so much for any advice, as I haven't come across this before. Usually a little wren visits yearly to nest there, so was suprised to see these little chaps.

Mel

[eucera]

Any chance of a photo so I can see what they might be? Whatever they are, they are unlikely to present a problem. However, It would help to see them so I can be sure

Many thanks

[paulinemiller10]

Welcome to the forum Bumblerumble, they don't sound like bumblebees as they don't usually buzz around the nest, they are in and out and gone.

You can move the nest box, I would move it three feet each night until you get to a place where you will be happy with them.

You need to tape over any holes to stop bees coming out when its dark, have a place ready to place the nest box, move the bees and remove the tape, you can move them to the bottom of your garden the first night, but some bees may not find where the nest has gone.

The bees may make a lot of loud buzzing noise when you move them, but they usually just stay in the nest, and as you will have taped the holes, they won't come out. Pauline.

[paulinemiller10]

Lovely picture J.P, I have a bumble nest in a bird box, its getting quite busy now, lots of bumbles coming and going.

It is difficult getting pics of bumbles, they are easily scared off if you get too near, but will settle if you can get them to have a sugar drink, I hav'nt seen your bumble before, always hoping for unusual visitors. Pauline.

[bumblerumble]

Sorry I have probably put the above picture in the wrong place.

Anyway, thanks for such a warm welcome Pauline. Great tips on how to move them.

Would be fascinated to know what type of bee they are? So I hope you can tell from the image.

Look forward to hearing from you as and when you get a moment.

All the best

Mel

[eucera]

Hi

These are certainly the newly arrived bumblebee Bombus hypnorum. I am collecting data to help monitor the spread of these beautiful bees (BWARS Home Page) across the UK and I would really welcome the full "who, when and where" information (pm me would be fine).

These are very short season bumblebees and will be nearing the end of their life cycles shortly. The nests are usually vacated by the end of June... so if you can leave them where they are it would be better. They are very unlikely to be a threat to you, your family or pets.

Hope this helps

Best wishes, Stuart