Bumble bees in compost bin

Hi

I have one of the bins that you have to lift up to get to the compost. Must admit I've not used it much. Lifted the lid just now and the compost gently hissed before about five bumble bees appeared on the surface! Assuming there's a nest in there can I just leave it? Should I leave the lid securely on as it has been? I guess they are accessing it through the bottom where there's a slight gap.

Any advice?!

 

Lucky you having a bumble bee nest! Leave the lid however it was before. Bees need all the help they can get these days.

P.S. What colour are their bottoms?

 

Leave it as it is and try and not disturb their nest. As you say, the bees are most likely to be accessing through a small gap.

 

I had this two years ago; I left them to do their own thing

 

I'm not sure! I'll keep an eye out and let you know.

Thank you all for the replies. I've been trying to encourage bees, so I'm pleased to have them!

 

Just so you know: even though we found them 2 years ago, once the summer was over and done with, we never saw them again. Thus, they are temporary 'residents' and may not return next year.

Make the most of your fortune

 

I tend to leave even wasps nest alone just as long as they are not likely to bother me, bees I like even more.

 

When I moved here, Pete, I discovered 4 wasp nests in our loft space.
One was MAHOOSIVE!!!

Got the 'man who can' in to dispose of them and he informed me, they only 'nest' in the one spot and are not repeat visitors. I've been very much more 'forgiving' of wasps since then