Bees in my bird box (Somerset). Help please!

[NeverSayNever]

I was quite delighted that some bees decided to use our old bird box. The birds didn't want it as they preferred the eaves!

The bird box is on a regularly used shed .. it has our bikes in for one thing. Today I went to get something and the door was difficult to lock so I fiddled a bit and the next thing I know there is a lot of buzzing. I noticed about 10-15 bees buzzing angrily a metre or so away. It didn't occur to me that I had annoyed them by vibrating the shed! I ducked down and tried to very quietly lock it when bam I was stung in the eyebrow - the little blighter had to get under my sunglasses to do it!

OK, no big harm done although it still hurts a bit!

I tried to put something very gently into the sed just now and 8 were out in seconds! I made a retreat.

I love bees and don't want to hurt a single one but the bird box simply cannot stay there as we use the shed daily and the kid's often go in by themselves.

I have looked and it is on a hook so it could be moved if the hole was taped over.

I have done the best pics I can and would like to know what bees they are and how to move them safely (for me and them!).

[Hedera]

I would suggest finding a local beekeeper and getting him/her to smoke the bees, cover them in and move them to a prepared safe place. We have lost so many bees they are all precious. The move is best done in the evening when they have ceased foraging.

[paulinemiller10]

If you can easily unhook the bird box, you could tape the bird hole when it gets dark and move to a better place, some bumbles may get lost, but most will find the new place, and the queen won't leave the nest. Pauline.

[healfdan]

Never say never.
The bees look like Bombus pascuorum also called the Common Carder Bee. Bumble bees are never quick to attack so apart from your unfortunate brush I think you might get away with what Pauline suggests, plus bagging and then taking to an out of the way part of your garden. If this is asking too much a bee keeper may oblige.
If you do decide to go for it, as a precaution cover as much of your body as you can pulling gloves over sleeves, tucking trousers into socks, a scarf around the neck and wear a hat.

Healfdan

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by healfdan

Never say never.
The bees look like Bombus pascuorum also called the Common Carder Bee. Bumble bees are never quick to attack so apart from your unfortunate brush I think you might get away with what Pauline suggests, plus bagging and then taking to an out of the way part of your garden. If this is asking too much a bee keeper may oblige.
If you do decide to go for it, as a precaution cover as much of your body as you can pulling gloves over sleeves, tucking trousers into socks, a scarf around the neck and wear a hat.

Healfdan

It's not B. pascuorum- note the white rear abdomen- it's the recent colonist B. hypnorum, appropriately known as the Tree Bumblebee.

B. pascuorum normally nests at ground level.

[Matt Smith]

Have a look at the BWARS information page about Bombus hypnorum at Bombus hypnorum_map. Your record is pretty much on the edge of its current range, these are details on the page of where to send your record to help track the spread of this species.

[NeverSayNever]

I agree from comparing photos that they do seem to be Bombus Hypnorum. I have submitted my details as it will be of interest that they are this far SW.

I will prepare a new hook within a small range, cover myself up, tape the hole and move it one evening.

I guess it's then pull the tape off and run!

Thank you for your help. Also turns out to be very interesting.

[bigdave60dog]

I have moved wasps and hornets by bunging up the hole and moving the nest box in the dark. (that was how I discovered that hornets are active at nightime catching moths.) Only the wasps were successful. The hornets nest died out slowly.
If it were my shed I would put up with a few Bumble bees for a season (you don`t need to worry, BBs don`t die after stinging so they will be OK if they sting you. Seriously, it is probably a good record for your area and they are usually pretty docile. Give em another chance, their sting is not too bad is it?
Dave

[NeverSayNever]

Well, the sting stopped hurting after an hour but is still tender 12 hours later if pushed.

It is the kids I am worried about.

If we leave the nest alone, how long before they vacate it? If it is not too many more weeks, perhaps we could wait and then hang it somewhere else next year.

[eucera]

Nest likely to be vacated by late June to early July.; The males are starting to emerge now. and that always signals trhe colony cycle is nearing completion

Marvellous find too!