Bumble bees

[queenio]

How do I get rid of a swarm of bees who have taken residence under my shed? I have sprayed lemon juice and ant powder, but they won't take the hint, They seem to be multiplying fast. Many thanks.

[FredPuli43]

Why bother? If they are bumble bees; these are not bees that form colonies,like honey bees do, but are solitary, though you may find several choosing the same area to make their individual nests in; they present no danger to you. Leave them to go about their business, buzzing happily past you and pollinating the flowers.

[cecil39]

Just leave them alone, they won't hurt you, most bee's don't sting unless you hurt them, I have had bee's under my shed for the last three years, and none of the dogs or children ever got stung, plus they will polinate the flowers in your garden.

[emeritus]

Just Google Bee Swarms and your area there are sure to be people who will remove them for free.

[Old_Geezer]

Maybe they like lemons, and aren't troubled by the ants.
Maybe there is a local beekeeper in the yellow pages that can help you ?

[FredPuli43]

Remember that beekeepers; let's assume that these are honey bees and not bumble bees, though they look very different from each other; only use smoke generators and protective clothing because they are invading the nest, the hive, to get honey or to check on progress, and that makes the bees rush to protect it. They don't get stung otherwise; if they leave the hive alone,they never will get stung. When was the last time you got stung by a passing bee of any kind?

It's a fear without foundation, even with a honey bee colony. But a bumble bee has no colony; its mates don't rush out to protect the other bees and the colony. It just lays an egg in a single place, alone, and the bee grows up as a solitary individual, a billy no mates!

[rowanwitch]

sounds more like a wasp nest if there are loads of them

[queenio]

Sounds as though I will have to get used to them buzzing round my head every Summer (I have a very small garden). Nobody else seems to want them, and they haven't been anywhere near my flowers!

[Answerprancer]

Bumble bees are seriously low in numbers and are a vital part of our foodchain. Please don't endanger them, there have got to alternative solutions. Bear in mind bumble bees are not aggressive (or dirty).

[gleno1]

queenio ,i have lots foxgloves in my wildlife garden and the bee s are humming around them all the time.I have never been stung.