Bees nest advice needed

[Bumpkin]

We're taking up an old, rotting shed with a new one being delivered Sunday.  It appears that there is a bumble bee nest under the floor - any advice welcome on what to do to help the bees?  Thanks

[ontheRye]

Check the British Beekeepers Association for a local expert to collect your swarm

[Penguin68]

If it's a bumble bee nest they won't be interested. But they are an important part of the local ecology. I don't know whether bumbe bee nest can be transferred readily. But they shouldn't be destroyed. 

[Sue]

39 minutes ago, ontheRye said:

Check the British Beekeepers Association for a local expert to collect your swarm

Ground nesting bees are different. They don't swarm in the same way.

https://beehunterma.com/how-to-safely-get-rid-of-ground-nesting-bees/#:~:text=Using a hose%2C gently soak,labeled for ground-nesting bees.

Sorry I think that might be American bees. But so far as I can see the method for UK bees with water would be the same.

It seems the most humane way, as it just encourages them to relocate.

I had a nest of white tailed bumble bees in my garden last year. It was fascinating watching them go in and out of the ground.   But then I didn't need to put a shed over them!

Edited May 8, 2025 by Sue

[Nigello]

This from a bumble bee expert I know: 

…try not to disturb it if possible. If it's actually underground, rather than directly under the old shed floor, they might survive as long as they can still get access. But if they were directly under the floor they're probably doomed, sadly. He also says they're most likely to be Bombus terrestris which is extremely common.

[Sue]

You could try leaving a gap  in the new shed floor until the bees leave their nest  at the end of the summer (assuming that's what they do? Mine seemed to) 

No idea if that's feasible!

[Bumpkin]

 

Thanks all - really helpful - I'd mooted putting a hole in the new shed floor with my partner, but not sure yet if that will work.  See picture of nest now that shed has gone (well disguised..).  Might have to do the watering method much as I'd like to keep them

 

[Sue]

It's really heart warming that you care about the bees ❤️

[mattoutofhell]

Bee tennis is good fun

 

[Bumpkin]

For anyone interested, we managed to move the bees nest into a cardboard box filled with some rotted wood chips & bits of greenery and then put a large piece of terracotta pot over them.  Some at last seem to be bumbling around in it.  Fingers crossed! 

Also saw a greater spotted woodpecker on our fat ball feeder today so a good day for nature in East Dulwich!

[Sue]

2 hours ago, Bumpkin said:

For anyone interested, we managed to move the bees nest into a cardboard box filled with some rotted wood chips & bits of greenery and then put a large piece of terracotta pot over them.  Some at last seem to be bumbling around in it.  Fingers crossed! 

Also saw a greater spotted woodpecker on our fat ball feeder today so a good day for nature in East Dulwich!

Please keep us posted about the bees!

And enjoy your new shed!