Can we move a bumblebee nest?

[stigofthedump]

We have a bumblebee nest in our garden waste wheelie bin.

Obviously we are delighted and are quite happy for them to stay as long as they like. The problem is with the neighbours who detest any insect. We share a communal entry to the back gardens which means our neighbours have to pass the bin daily. Before she notices them and takes things into her own hands is it possible to move the nest at this time of year?
We have a bumblebee box, its never been occupied. If the bumblebees are OK to be moved how should we go about it?

Thanks in advance.

Vince.

[paulinemiller10]

Have you got a pic of the bees Vince.
Its quite easy if the bumblebees are in a bird box, but as they are in your wheelie you will need to find out the location, and work out how you can move them in day light, then move them when its dark when they are unlikely to fly out, maybe get the nest onto a spade and drop into a box or your bee box if it will fit, some cones may get damaged, but bumbles will sort it out, they will make a loud buzzing noise when you move them, its best to leave the box near the site for a day, then move a few feet each night to the new location, if that's not possible, just move them to where you want them, some worker bees spend the night in trees and may not always find the new site, let us know how you get on. Pauline.

[stigofthedump]

Cheers Pauline.

Well we decided to move the wheelie bin into the garden and leave well alone for a few days. They didn't sound too impressed
Once they have become accustomed to the new position I will attempt to move the nest.

Thanks again for your help Pauline.


Vince

[stigofthedump]

Well the deed is done!
Moved the nest and all seems well

Must add this, to anyone who may come across this thread via Google or otherwise. Bumblebees are such accommodating little things, so little aggression, at one point I was surrounded by 50 plus of them and not one sting.

Vince ( In awe of our humble Bumble )

[paulinemiller10]

Oh well done Vince, I have moved many bumblebee nests, and they are very good, I moved a nest a couple of weeks ago, as they were two streets away, I kept them in with food for two days, let them out and waited for them to come back, and it was nt long before they returned with big shopping bags, they know me now and are quite tame, I can open their box and look inside, and they are quite happy, some may return while I m there and will go straight into the nest, they are quite clever and soon get to know you are helping them, so pleased you were able to move your bumblebees to a safer place, its such a shame people kill these lovely creatures because they think they are going to sting. Pauline.

[Meta menardi]

Well that is such a good story with a happy ending. Well done.

[stigofthedump]

Pauline. I must thank you for your advice.
I must admit I was scared. In no way was it warranted, the little sweeties just let me go about the business of moving them with no real aggression.

A new family in our garden, how lucky are we!!

Vince

[stigofthedump]

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

Well that is such a good story with a happy ending. Well done.

Thanks Meta menardi, we both feel elated, but again its mostly down to Pauline's advice.

Vince

[posie]

..That's a lovely story Vince, and they will repay you by doing lots of pollinating.

[stigofthedump]

Thanks posie, strange feeling but we both feel really protective of them now.

But yet again tis all down to Pauline, think she should be an honorary aunty!


Vince