Re: Advice to give on moving bumble bees

Hi Dick,

I am actually asking as part of a beekeeping group/association (local)
we have members who will deal with swarms but none (it seems) who will
deal with bumble bee nests. 

I have moved a couple myself when houses in birds nesting boxes etc
but avoided trying to do this with ones "dug in" as I understand they
are very vicious when you try.

However, two people recently called our number to ask for help with
such nests. They did not want to leave them alone (as our standard
advice is) but wanted them moved/destroyed.

On Wed, 7 May 2008 18:22:29 +0000 (UTC), rdadams@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 (Dick
Adams) wrote:

>Steve New****t  <steven@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>
>> Just a general question but is it possible/reasonable/easy 
>> to dig up Bumble Bee nests that have set themselves up in 
>> compost heaps and undergournd (in the open where 
>> roots/concrete aren't an issue).
>>
>> A few people have asked where they have this problem and 
>> where they need the nest gone because they are re-landscaping.
>
>Bumble Bees are a beneficial species.  If you want to 
>move a nest, I suggest you do so in the dead of winter.
>Otherwise you could be subject to a vicious attack.
>
>There are people who will come out, attract the bees,
>and remove them.  Someone did this for me years ago.
>
>Handling hives of any species is not a DIY project.
>
>Dick