Hi - new to this site - have a problem with bees in my compost bin

[Pennaloopy]

Hi - just joined the site....looks great!

I have a problem with bees. I have an old compost bin which is filled with bits from the garden but not a lot of compost! When gardening the other day I was stung by one of the new residents - I have tried to avoid them but the bin is right next to the path in the only access point through the garden - there are bumble bees buzzing around but the predominant ones are small and look very much like honey bees. The become quite aggressive when I walk past and we have just recently let our young cats out into the garden and they are annoying each other but cats don't sting! Has anybody any ideas? I just went out to try and identify them clearly and they were off again buzzing around and at me

[MarkPelican]

If they're honey bees contact your local bee society/club they'll be grateful for them. They may even help you identify them if they're not.

[Greenleaves]

I am sure you wont but please dont use some of the methods you can find on line, most if not all result in their death.

As MP suggests you may be able to get help from your local bee society

[Nicos]

No consolation I know- but they are in massive decline.
You are lucky to have them...they are just in the wrong place!

Hi there- and welcome to the Vine!

Are you able to quickly move the compost bin as an entity at night whilst they are inside or is it an open one?

Yup- I like the suggestion of the local bee society.
If they are honey bees they'd be thrilled to take them off your hands as they are valuable.
No idea how they would do it though!

Do keep us updated on the progress.....just PLEASE don't kill them!

[Pennaloopy]

Thanks Mark...have found someone 2 miles away...I hope he can help

Green leaves - I definitely wouldn't do anything to harm them.....even the cars are locked in now

[Pennaloopy]

Hi Nicos....thanks for your advice....I might be able to slide the bin onto a board and move it to the back of the garden (at night!) as the bin is the large plastic type with a lid and an opening at the bottom with a sliding door - I definitely wouldn't do anything to harm them....if they got too aggressive we would stay well away and they could enjoy the garden without harassment!!! If I am unsure I will contact the local beekeeper

Is that right you live in Normandy....we have just got back from 5 days there....is the sun out yet?

[veggiechicken]

Hi and welcome!.
My money's on it being small bumble bees. Do they look at all "furry"?

[Nannysally99]

You sound lovely Pennaloopy, welcome to the Vine
Let's hope your bees end up somewhere nice

[mothhawk]

Hi, Pennaloopy, welcome to the vine

If they are honey bees, moving them, even at night, if you can't block off the entrance they are using, will bring loads of bees out to see what's going on, so I would try and identify them first, and if they have to be moved, get someone wearing protective clothing to do it. Bees will defend their nest, as you have already found.

[Scarlet]

A friend of mine keeps bees, the last to "lots" he's had were found nests in other peeps gardens that he's collected. So it's really worth your while contacting one.

[Pennaloopy]

Hi, Pennaloopy, welcome to the vine

If they are honey bees, moving them, even at night, if you can't block off the entrance they are using, will bring loads of bees out to see what's going on, so I would try and identify them first, and if they have to be moved, get someone wearing protective clothing to do it. Bees will defend their nest, as you have already found.

Thank you Mothhawk....think I'll get someone in to look

[Pennaloopy]

A friend of mine keeps bees, the last to "lots" he's had were found nests in other peeps gardens that he's collected. So it's really worth your while contacting one.

Thanks Scarlet

[Pennaloopy]

Hi and welcome!.
My money's on it being small bumble bees. Do they look at all "furry"?

No - I have sat and watched (and stayed well away) until they are going in - they don't look furry...very dark squat back end? The one that stung me last week did not look anything like a bumble bee

[Pennaloopy]

You sound lovely Pennaloopy, welcome to the Vine
Let's hope your bees end up somewhere nice

Thank you Nannysally....everybody has been so helpful - I will look after them at all costs.....they are so important 🐝

[Nicos]

Is that right you live in Normandy....we have just got back from 5 days there....is the sun out yet?

Almost out today but has got much warmer now .
Where abouts were you staying?

Glad mothhawk suggested NOT moving the bees at night - in my ignorance I thought they'd all be sleeping!
Just goes to show!