In a message dated 99-01-29 08:01:20 EST, [log in to unmask] writes: << I live in a small cottage in the SF Bay Area. I recently noticed that I have a nest of bumblebees living in my roof (this is a 1930's cottage w/a pointed overhang roof over the front door -- they are going in an air vent by one of the eaves). It does not get cold enough here for most critters to hibernate -- plus it is starting to warm. I have remanents of an orchard on my property -- while I believe the bumble bees to be beneficial, I am very nervous about them being in the roof. I wonder how big the nest is s I see a bee coming/going about every 30-40 seconds. Would you suggest calling a bee person to have them relocated or leave them? What are my risks leaving them -- I need to start working in the yard and when I go out they often "buzz" me -- I'm not overly nervous, but maybe should be. >> I seriously doubt they are bumblebees. For one thing bumblebees rarely pay any attention to humans, unless they are coming straight on to sting. For another thing, it is too early for much bumblebee activity, you'd only see an occasional queen looking for a nesting site, and that probably a little later. I'm sure you had enough cold this year to kill off any bumblebees that "tried" to overwinter. They don't store up food like honeybees, so just a few days without nectar would kill the colony. Around here carpenter bees are common in early spring. I haven't seen any yet, but expect to, with the 80 degree days we've been having. They are often mistaken for bumblebees. Drone carpenter bees (they cannot sting) will often hover around you. If fact they will face you off, and you can sometimes dance with them. Try tossing a pebble, they'll chase it. I suspect that anything that moves is investigated as a possible mate. One time I watched carpenter bee drones chase a couple wrens that were building a nest. Each time they flew, it would chase them. They were scolding it at every opportunity, but it didn't make any difference. Hilarious! Carpenter bees bore a small hole in old wood to nest. They are solitary bees in that they do not have an organized colony, but they are gregarious, in that they will often nest in groups. The damage they do to wood is usually just cosmetic. Unless they are in huge numbers, and causing serious wood damage, I'd just live with them. The males (the ones that will follow you) can't sting, and the females will go about their work with almost no chance of stinging, unless you catch them in your hand. Honeybee keepers would not be interested in either carpenter bees or bumblebees. And, as you say, they are valuable pollinators for your fruit trees. Dave Green SC USA www.pollinator.com