Bumble bee nest under my shed..

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by harry123, Jun 10, 2015.

  1. harry123

    harry123 Gardener

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    We just got the top half of the garden done up with a few slabs, as it was very messy and had been like that since we've moved in, I realised today there was about 10 bumble bees flying around and all going under the shed. I told my neighbour she mentioned that they are good for the garden, how true is this? Sorry I'm a novice looking for more information.


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    • "M"

      "M" Total Gardener

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      Oh you lucky, lucky thing!!
      Your neighbour is absolutely right, bees are essential in the garden for pollination. Good for your flowers, shrubs, trees, vegetables and absolutely great for honey :heehee: (although you won't get any of that from your bees under the shed).
      If you don't trouble them, they will not trouble you but they will take the trouble to fly around your, and your neighbours, garden :)
      @Spruce is our resident bee keeper and he will be able to tell you more about the benefits of bees. I'm sure he'll be along later today.
       
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      • merleworld

        merleworld Total Gardener

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        I second that - I love bumble bees and they're great for the garden [​IMG]
         
      • Ellie Jones

        Ellie Jones Gardener

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        I third that...

        Our plants wouldn't get anywhere with out the humble bumble bee....

        If you leave bee's alone they will happily bumble around the garden, flower to flower collecting the nectar and pollinating the flowers... They only sting under extreme threat, because for them if they sting then they die, as the stinger is ripped out of them and stays in the victim, Wasps however can sting to their hearts content, they don't loss the stinger from their tails.

        If they have nested where it could cause a problem, then you can phone your local bee keeper's society branch, and they will be more than happy to come out pick them up and find a new home for them.
         
      • Banana Man

        Banana Man You're Growing On Me ...

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        BB nests are pretty small by comparison. I have about 10-15 bees and the nest is smaller than a tennis ball. They don't really cause any trouble apart from being conscious that they are there :)
         
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        • Jungle Jane

          Jungle Jane Middle Class Twit Of The Year 2005

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          I love bumble bees. So much so my garden is dedicated to them.

          Apart from the pollinating side which has already been mentioned the ambiance they give to your garden makes them a worthwhile addition too.
           
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          • Beckie76

            Beckie76 Total Gardener

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            Bumble bees are great for your garden, please don't destroy the nest or them! they won't do you any harm if you leave them alone, also they will fly off on their own soon.
            You are very lucky to have them :dbgrtmb:
             
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            • Spruce

              Spruce Glad to be back .....

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              Hi Ellie

              Sorry to disagree but most not all will tell " local bee keeper's society branch"people to leave bumble bees to them selves and very rarely move them , they will only nest for the summer months then move on in the Autumn or the new queens will do and the rest will just die which is natural for them

              Spruce
               
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              • Beckie76

                Beckie76 Total Gardener

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                This morning hubby spotted some bees flying in & out of his workshop :dbgrtmb:, on further inspection I'm delighted to report I have a bees nest :dbgrtmb:, they are so busy! :imphrt:
                 
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                • WeeTam

                  WeeTam Total Gardener

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                  Just hope the local badger doesnt eat them up after it s killed all the local hedgehogs.

                  Im not a fan of the uncontrolled rampage of the ever "so cute" badgers that have nearly wiped out the hedgehogs,trying to wipe out the bumblebees and doing a wonderful job in spreading TB which results in thousands of cattle being killed and dumped . rant over :)
                   
                • "M"

                  "M" Total Gardener

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                  Oh you must be thrilled Beckie!! :hapydancsmil:
                  No point stroking them, they won't leave you any honey :heehee:
                   
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                  • Ellie Jones

                    Ellie Jones Gardener

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                    @Spruce didn't realise that not all branches would help...


                    I've been sat in my garden this evening, and bumble bee after bumble bee visited lovely to see but alas means that I've got to keep my whits about me and a very good watch on the hounds or should I say Jones, who's a very good fly catcher but also attempts to take a bumble or wasp out:yikes:
                     
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                    • Beckie76

                      Beckie76 Total Gardener

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                      :heehee:, I thought about giving them a little stroke after you taught me how to stroke so nicely :heehee:
                      Joking aside @'M' I'm delighted we've got them, this year the gap in the workshop/shed has given a home to some great tits who raised their young in there, now the bumble bees have moved in :yay: (we won't mention the mice who also think it's a good place to live!!! :heehee:) what more could a woman want? Great tits & bumble bees! :heehee: ......ok I'be over stepped the mark! :heehee:
                       
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                      • Fern4

                        Fern4 Total Gardener

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                        It's brilliant that you've got a nest. Bees are fab and having a nest is an asset to your garden I reckon. Like JJ, my garden is a full of plants for them. I've loads of bumbles at the moment but I have only seen honeybees since the weather has got a lot warmer. Enjoy your bees - they're fantastic little creatures! :)
                         
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                        • harry123

                          harry123 Gardener

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                          Thank you guys, with ur advice we have decided to keep them[emoji39]


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