Bumble bee nest

[w33blegurl]

Morning all

We are in the middle of replacing our rotton old shed (which was also too close to the flue from our boiler to we really had to shift it) and on lifting the floor have discovered a small bumble bee nest. Ordinarily I would be happy to just leave it and let them go about their business, but we are going to have to disturb it as the next shed is coming at the weekend and the new base is going in roughly the same place as the old one (I say base but the previous owners just chucked a load of bits of old rock and rubble down and build it on that - as well as right next to the boiler flue...grrrr) just turned 90 degrees. This will be right on top of the nest. Unfortunately given where it is there is no way of just working around it as we need to level out the ground.

So any suggestions as to what we can do - is it possible to move it somewhere else in the garden (preferably without being stung) or is this something we would need to get a professional in to do? Help!

Thanks
Julia

[Polly Fouracre]

Get a cardboard box, pick up the whole nest in your hands(the bees will only sting if squeezed and is mild) and put the whole thing somewhere dry and sheltered. Behind an outhouse or garage or similar.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Would the Kent Beekeepers Association be of help?

Colin

[w33blegurl]

that's a good idea, I might drop them a line to see what they say - obviously I am keen to do as little harm to the bees as possible and was quite excited to have found the nest in the first place!

[Potstubsdustbins]

They have a web site that also leads you to local keepers you might be able to e-mail them.

Colin

[Two_Sheds]

is it possible to move it somewhere else in the garden (preferably without being stung)

I moved ours because it was right next to the playground and the staff were getting all elfin safety about it
It was easy though because it was only small and in a bird box