How can I get rid of these bees humanely.

[mickybaggings]

I have a large number of small bees swarming about my strawberry plants. They do this every year but their numbers are increasing. When I first dug this area there were what I can only describe as pieces of sweet corn in jackets, has this any thing to do with the bees? They seem quite docile allowing me to weed the area without problem but I worry about the children getting to near. There are holes the size of a five pence pieces every where but how can I get rid of them or discourage them from the area?

[Two_Sheds]

They sound like bumble bees (there are many different ones), and they don't swarm. They hardly ever sting either, unless you attack them or their nest.

It's honey bees that do the swarming and the stinging, and yours definitely aren't honey bees.

There's no need to discourage them, on the contrary you should be pleased they've chosen to live with you. Teach your children to love and respect them too

[Mrs Dobby]

Definitely not honey bees, so probably safe to be around,if anything they are great polinators, so Id be happy that they are there and helping your plants to set fruit!

[Aisles]

Indeed, they are what I have all around my lavender bushes very docile they don't bother never been stung in 10years by ours. They are great as they pollentate all my Fruit tree's and veggies on my veggie plot.

The don't even bother about me cuting the lavenders or weeding around them.

[TEB]

As everyone else has said, they dont usually do any harm and in fact seem to go out of their way to get out of your way, unless your children suffer or have allergic reaction then it maybe that your children would watch them, I always find bee's fascinating, did you know it could be said that the British Empire was due to bees and Old Maid's . This is because bees pollinate clover which fed the cows that navy jacks fed on, the old maids came into because they kept cats that hunted mice that would prey on bees.

[pauco]

I have a large number of small bees swarming about my strawberry plants. They do this every year but their numbers are increasing. When I first dug this area there were what I can only describe as pieces of sweet corn in jackets, has this any thing to do with the bees? They seem quite docile allowing me to weed the area without problem but I worry about the children getting to near. There are holes the size of a five pence pieces every where but how can I get rid of them or discourage them from the area?

Now why would you wish to get rid of them? they are harmless and will not bother you, unless you attack them. As T.S. has mentioned. Try to encourage your kids to enjoy them, and watch them at work. Just dont rush around waving arms around.
Your lucky to have such docile Bees around you enjoy.


paul.

[Nicos]

How about planting a few bee-loving plants/flowers nearby- so they get a bit distracted???

I'd be chuffed to have them too. Just make sure the kids don't run around barefoot

Actually we have wild honeybees on the marjoram along one side of our patio ( 15 ft stretch)- we've never been bothered personally by the bees.

[taff]

I googled but I'm afraid the answers were similar to the ones above....
Frequently asked questions about bumblebee nests

[northepaul]

If they're not bumble bees, they could be stingless bees, similar to the ones I have in my back lawn, they make little holes in the ground and come and go. Are they very tiny? Mine are 1-2cm in size.

[reetnproper]

I though all British bees were protected by law anyway?

Either way, I'd agree with everything that's already been suggested and explain to your children just how important bees are and that they must be careful around them so as not to hurt themsleves or the bees.

Reet
x

[Welshmummy]

We came across a bee's this year - completely by accident when we were mowing the lawn in fact but have left them to their own devices.

We think they are mining bees and are enjoying the plants around their chosen nest site.

We have told our boys to leave them alone (they are 7 and 10) but were told also that they tend to go to several nests so will only really be with us for a few weeks before moving on, but they may come back again next year.

We did originally try to get them removed but council wont touch them unless they were a nuisance and the pest control wont touch them unless they are a threat - ie allergys or in the vicinity of a hospital/school etc. Happy to have them now and they dont bother us but we tend to let them enjoy their plants and be done with it.

[Two_Sheds]

We did originally try to get them removed but council wont touch them unless they were a nuisance and the pest control wont touch them unless they are a threat

I'm pleased to hear that
I'd be very very upset if every living thing was treated as a harmful pest ~ we humans just need to be more tolerant and educated about them