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Post by Plocket on May 20, 2008 13:32:32 GMT
I've noticed huge bumble bees going into our compost bin and am worried they might be nesting in there. Bearing in mind it's right near LP's garden and I need to empty some "made" compost from the bottom (where the bees are going in), what do you suggest that I do?  Thanks! |
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Post by Tig on May 20, 2008 15:00:32 GMT
How many have you seen P? I thought bumble bees were solitary nesters? Are they the big ones or the smaller ones?
I read somewhere that they like to use mouse holes and can home in on the smell, do you think your mice have a nest in there too?
x Tig
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Post by Plocket on May 20, 2008 15:02:54 GMT
Hi Tig and thanks for your reply. I don't think the mice are nesting there, and if they are they certainly couldn't get into the hole the bee squeezed into! I've only seen one going in at a time but on different occasions so it could be just the one bee - it's a whopper though  |
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Post by Tig on May 20, 2008 15:11:21 GMT
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Post by Plocket on May 20, 2008 15:33:09 GMT
Oh that's a great link Tig thank you! I'd rather leave the nest, and on reading that information I certainly will do now, but will talk to LP about the nest so she knows not to bash the compost bin! We had little bees nesting in our pot of agapanthus a few years ago and they were no bother, unless I knocked the pot by mistake!!
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Post by Tig on May 20, 2008 18:03:32 GMT
You are welcome for the link P, I thought it might help - I like bees (just as long as they don't chase me  We had one of the small bumble types in the bird box last year, after it had gone my Grandson had the dark brown waxy nest to take to school. |
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Post by Plocket on May 21, 2008 7:09:13 GMT
I like bees too and am always pleased when they choose to buzz around my garden. LP and I spent a long time yesterday evening watching a tiny one with huge pollen sacks as it stuffed more pollen in from our cotoneaster horizontalis. LP wanted to stroke it!!! Cool about the nest! I'll have to keep an eye out for ours when the time comes - whenever that will be! |
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Post by Deleted on May 25, 2008 18:07:54 GMT
cher plocket, maybe for next year you could have alternative accomadation near by. have made the same thing
ourselves, rubber bands and hollow bamboo, if you need the bamboo, let me know, have millions of the bl**dy stuff !!!!, deliver for free
etc. henandhammock.co.uk, then look up bug box. they're fun to make with wee LP ;D
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Post by Plocket on May 26, 2008 9:07:12 GMT
Oooh you've just reminded me SSandra - I was making an insect hotel and it's nearly finished. Unlike you it's taken me time to collect stems but I've found that Verbena Bonariensis is pretty good, and cow parsley I'll have to finish it off for this year... |
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