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- Graham
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I'm a huge advocate of bees, wasps not so much, but bees are awesome.
I recently noticed a bee flying into the gap under a small set of steps I have in my garden. I started paying attention and noticed more flying in and out, so I think there is a nest in there. Inside the step's foundations is hollowed out sections, so they've found themselves a pretty sweet home.
They don't seem to be aggresive, I've lifted the paving slab slightly but quickly lowered it just to see what would happen and about 8 of them came out and fly about a bit, but didn't seem annoyed - perhaps just curious. I've also sat there and watched them come and go and they don't bother with me, so I'm not concerned about the children or dog.
The problem is, I was just about to make a small concrete ramp to make heaving up wheelie bins full of timber easier. Obviously I'm not going to make the ramp now because it would most likely trap the bees in there, unless I can be sure that they will be able to get out at the other side of the step, which I'll be leaving a portion intact (for slippy weather). I would also have to factor in the risk of being stung if trying to build the ramp.
I really do need to get this ramp done at some point and it has to be done in good weather. My concern is that I think these are honey bees and not bumble bees, so the nest may not die in winter leaving me with a potentially eternal problem. I believe it is legal to move a bee's nest and this is obviously something I would get a professional in to do, but I would be concerned that they might end up destroying it. The bees have been fantastic every year at buzzing around and polenating our flowers and plants, creating a lovely garden during summer.
The dilemma I have is should I go ahead with the ramp, but only if I am absoutely certain that they won't be trapped, or should I get the nest moved?
I recently noticed a bee flying into the gap under a small set of steps I have in my garden. I started paying attention and noticed more flying in and out, so I think there is a nest in there. Inside the step's foundations is hollowed out sections, so they've found themselves a pretty sweet home.
They don't seem to be aggresive, I've lifted the paving slab slightly but quickly lowered it just to see what would happen and about 8 of them came out and fly about a bit, but didn't seem annoyed - perhaps just curious. I've also sat there and watched them come and go and they don't bother with me, so I'm not concerned about the children or dog.
The problem is, I was just about to make a small concrete ramp to make heaving up wheelie bins full of timber easier. Obviously I'm not going to make the ramp now because it would most likely trap the bees in there, unless I can be sure that they will be able to get out at the other side of the step, which I'll be leaving a portion intact (for slippy weather). I would also have to factor in the risk of being stung if trying to build the ramp.
I really do need to get this ramp done at some point and it has to be done in good weather. My concern is that I think these are honey bees and not bumble bees, so the nest may not die in winter leaving me with a potentially eternal problem. I believe it is legal to move a bee's nest and this is obviously something I would get a professional in to do, but I would be concerned that they might end up destroying it. The bees have been fantastic every year at buzzing around and polenating our flowers and plants, creating a lovely garden during summer.
The dilemma I have is should I go ahead with the ramp, but only if I am absoutely certain that they won't be trapped, or should I get the nest moved?
