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[honeybun]

I have noticed quite a lot going into a little hole just under the front steps. Any ideas on what to do about them.We don't use the front door much so can't see they will be much of a problem inside.

Hubby has a wasp killer spray but I really don't want to kill them.

What should I do. I'm inclined just to leave well alone until they leave in autumn and then block the holes up.


Honeyb
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[CLKD]

Leave them.  What kind are they?

We are so short of bumbles across the UK.  You could get your local honey maker to have a look-see, or if there is a wildlife group near ask for advice.  Unless they are inside the house leave well alone.  We had a nest a few years ago in one corner of the garden, they died once the frosts arrived  ……… I spent hours watching them 

[honeybun]

Not sure what kind they are. Just bees that buzz 

Really don't want to touch them at all. Hubby said its up to me. Just have to park the car further up the drive 


Honeyb
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[CLKD]

Lovely to sit and watch them in the sunshine  …….. bees only sting when they really have to …...

[honeybun]

Unlike wasps who seem to consider me fair game most summer's.

I have been stung in some very unusual places 


Honeyb
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[CLKD]

  …. wasps however, live to sting another day ………

Do you have a bee keeper locally?

[Limpy]

Could they be Mason bees?

[CLKD]

Masons are usually solitary 

[honeybun]

Sure that we do somewhere but as they are under the bottom step I can't see what a beekeeper could do.
There are two chances of hubby taking the step apart

None, and none at all 


Honeyb
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Just seen your post CLKD....there are quite a few of them.

[CLKD]

A bee keeper could identify the type of bumble you have 
Or do a 'google' …………  can you tell I'm intrigued ……… if I lived closer ………. 

[Ju Ju]

We have a nest of bees in the compost bin. We know a local beekeeper and asked his advice. He said leave them as they won't be there for long.

[honeybun]

Thanks Ju Ju.



That's what I wanted to hear.

CLKD....I will have a better look in the morning and let you know.


Honeyb
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[thorntrees]

A few years ago when we lived in an RAF quarter we noticed bees under the back door step.Chap from the estates office  came round to look and said they were masonry bees,they don't sting(so he said) and would soon leave which they did.

Thorntrees x

[Taz2]

This is from a bumble bee forum Honeyb  "The best advice is

You could leave them where they are, they will die out by the end of October other than the new Queens, which will emerge and then hibernate until next year."

We often have different types of bees nesting around the garden and under the step and patio stones. We've never had any bother with them. They are in decline and need all the help they can get. http://bumblebeeconservation.org/

Taz x

[honeybun]

Yes we are just going to leave them alone.

Can't stand wasps and they would have to go but I like the bumblebees and I am happy to let them do their own thing for the summer.
Hubby will seal up the hole in the autumn.

Not going to be able to use the front door much though 


Honeyb
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