David Morris writes:
> I have a friend in England who has discovered a bumblebee nest in a rubbish
> heap in her backyard. I told her about Slayden's book, "The Humble Bee", and
> suggested she get the book and make this her daughter's science project.
> Let's hope she likes the idea. She is concerned that they may become a
> nuisance later. Plus, they are in a heap of yard trash which she may
> eventually consider unsightly.
No problem, they will disperse later in the year anyway, so if they're
not an actual problem now, watch & enjoy.
> Question: Can she move this nest easily?
They can be dug out (Sladen describes it). They make a lot of fuss but
don't *tend* to sting. They probably should be moved a mile of so at
minimum. They can be put into a mini-hive about 8inch cube with a small
hole (1/2 inch) in one face. Again Sladen describes some designs.
> Question: If the bumbles become a nuisance, what is the best way to remove
> them? I suggested Sevin dust or soapy water. Any other ideas?
The best way is the one above. Pretty well any insecticide would kill
them, but that would be very sad indeed. They really shouldn't be a
problem, bumbles are *very* benign and very rarely sting.
> Question: Does anyone have any practical experience with this problem?
Yup, I've rescued a few, typically from half demolished sheds. I have
two nests in parts of my house at this moment, one right by the bedroom
window so we easily watch them coming & going. There are undoubtedly a
few around the garden too.
> She lives nears Gloucester, for any interested 'local' beekeepers.
Not local enough. If she really needs them rescuing, the local police
or town council should be able to put her in touch with a beekeeper.
Finding one prepared to move bumbles can be a minor problem -- many
aren't interested (shame!).
Regards,
--
Gordon Scott [log in to unmask] 100332,3310 on CompuServe
Newsletter [log in to unmask] ditto
Beekeeper, Kendo Sandan, sometime sailor.
Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 5HP, UK
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