What should I do about a colony of bees?

[mybarnconversion]

I have a colony of bees living in the base of a red wood tree on my land.

As there are now a number of small children living in the area that could stumble across the hive I’d like to ask if anyone knows what should I do to remove the risk?

I know I can phone the council and get them removed, but I don’t really want to kill them off unless I have to, are there any other options….?

[Annpan]

Are they honey bees? (I don't know about these things)

Some freecycle groups will accept a 'offer' of bees - as some folks are desperate for a hive - and they would otherwise be cleared by the council and possibly end up in landfill. Might be worth a try.

I dare say there are companies who will relocate them (for a heafty fee) I'd imagine.

[the.fee.fairy]

Get in touch with the local beekeepers association. They will probably have someone in your area who can identify the bees and help you. If they're honeybees, then the beekeepers people won't kill them, they'll move them on gently to a new hive.

[mybarnconversion]

If they're honeybees....

Is there any way to tell what type of bees they are? I have a photograph of one here ... bee photo

[MKG]

Living in a colony like that, they're almost certainly honey bees (I would have said certainly, but you never know). They are non-aggressive unless disturbed, and they have to live somewhere. If they're in a tree, I would have thought it next to impossible to get them out without killing them. Can't you post signs, inform local schools etc.? Keep the kids away rather than move the bees. If one of 'em sticks a hand in, it'll be stung a few times. That's called learning a lesson.

I'm on the bees' side in this.

[Annpan]

Living in a colony like that, they're almost certainly honey bees (I would have said certainly, but you never know). They are non-aggressive unless disturbed, and they have to live somewhere. If they're in a tree, I would have thought it next to impossible to get them out without killing them. Can't you post signs, inform local schools etc.? Keep the kids away rather than move the bees. If one of 'em sticks a hand in, it'll be stung a few times. That's called learning a lesson.

I'm on the bees' side in this.

People do remove them - I am sure of it .They relocate them - I don't know how they do it (I know nothing about bees but this...couldn't even tell a bee from a wasp TBH) ... but honey bees have had it bad over the last few years and beekeepers are desparate.

There are freecycle groups in England who have members regularly asking for unwanted bees (i.e. don't call the exterminators, call us and we'll take them away)

Don't try to do it yourself but get a beekeeper to do it, they would be grateful (there may be experts for specifically moving the hive)

[ina]

The photo is a bit small to be 100% sure, but it does look like a honey bee... An experienced beekeeper might be able to smoke them out, and offer them alternative accommodation.

On the other hand, I would probably fence off the bit around the tree, to avoid kids getting too near. Or, if it's not a very large number of kids, speak to them and their parents and make the understand that if they stick their hands in, it's their own bl***y fault.

[witch way?]

Hi mbc. From the pic, they do look like honey bees. As already said, phone the council or police who will give you the number or will phone a local beekeeper. (A nucleus of bees costs £50 - £80 currently so you shouldn't have any trouble finding someone to take them). If not, bees hate damp conditions so make it uncomfortable for them (with a long distance hose and possible a net curtain over you) and hopefully they'll move on to somewhere more suitable.

Personally I wouldnt just leave them if there are children about. Kids are naturally inquisitive and they could be quite badly hurt, particularly with all the allergies they have these days.

Also, as you know about the bees and if you know children to play on your land, you might find yourself legally liable if someone does get hurt.

ww

[mybarnconversion]

Thanks for all the advice.

I'd normally not worry too much about the children - we learn from our mistakes, however, there are only three properties in the locality, one of which is mine and each has a child under 1, which will soon turn to the terrible 2's so thought I should sort something out.

I'll contact my local beekeepers association and see what they say, otherwise the running hose sounds like a nice way to move on the neighbours if necessary.