There are around 26 different types of Bumble Bees in Britain. Queens emerge in early spring and are much larger than a honey bee 15 - 24mm and hairy, with black and yellow / white bands or with a black body and a red / orange tail. They are a social insect with a lazy buzz and bumbling flight, workers are much smaller emerging some 3 - 4 weeks after the queen.
Nest Relocation Service from £45
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A nest /colony has a queen and between 80 -200 worker bees which are smaller but still hairy, all can sting but are very reluctant to do so as they are not normally aggressive if left alone.
The tree bumble bee (Bombus Hypnorum) is more defensive and loves old Blue tit nesting boxes. We can remove these for you and relocate them to a safe site, where they can live their lives out.
We do make charge for this, from £45 - £75 depending on box type.
Living in a variety of places from old bird boxes or a nest underground, in a compost heap, accessed through a small hole, or in leaf litter, a hollow log or under a garden shed, perhaps a cavity in a wall or in an old stone wall. They will excavate soil to make a space for a nest of dry grass, moss and leaves.
In the spring a large queen bee will emerge from her winter den and look for a suitable hole to make her nest, she will then lay a few dozen eggs which will become her workers. They will forage flowers for pollen and nectar to feed the next batch of eggs.
As mentioned above, bumblebees are not normally aggressive, and seldom sting, and are mostly easy to live with. We ask you to try and love your bees and live in harmony with them, If you have small children or an inquisitive dog / cat, place some canes and large mesh plastic netting around the nest entrance to prevent conflict.
Tree Bumble Bee (Bombus Hypnorum)
The Tree Bumble is fairly new to the UK and a success story, but it can be quite defensive of its nesting area, we recommend staying away from their nest site, often in old bird boxes and also under the tiles of roofs. A phenomenon called a 'Drone Cloud' happens from June onward, (depending when the nest began). Its where boy bees get all excited, flying circling, looping flights around the entrance to the nest.This is not swarming or aggressive behaviour.
Its possible we can relocate a nest box, but not if the nest is in a roof. These shouldn't pose any risk and will all die out by late autumn.
Underground nests can't be moved easily as they are fragile and often destroyed by the digging out, however nests in compost bins we may be able relocate.
Give us a call, or send us a short video clip to our Whats App mobile number 07919896964 and we will try to identify what you have and if we can help will get back yo you ASAP.
Bumble Bees
Images are copyright of City Bees
Images are copyright of City Bees
Images are copyright of City Bees
Images are copyright of City Bees
