View Full Version : Monster Bees!
Matthew
17-05-06, 03:59 PM
Is it me or are the busy, bumble bees really huge :bigeyes: this year?!
We have loads in one part of our garden at the moment and I managed to snap a few shots which you can see in my gallery folder (http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/index.php?act=module&module=gallery&cmd=user&user=1&op=view_album&album=15).
Only the three I've posted came out well enough to post, as you can imagine it's a little hazardous trying to follow these guys around with a camera, hopping around! :lol:
As well as busily going about their business collecting pollen, they are exceptionally loud too! :lol:
One decided to fly in yesterday and then couldn't get out - it took me absolutely ages to retrieve him safely without harming him. :rolleyes:
mythos15
17-05-06, 04:08 PM
:cry: Hi Matthew,
Totally agree - they are HUGE!! I'm not too bad with them, but hubby is terrified, so I'm left to extract them from the house before either hubby freaks completely, or the dog tries to eat them!!
Don't know where they are coming from, but I wish they'd go back there!!
:o Mythos 15
Matthew
17-05-06, 04:15 PM
:lol: What is it with dogs that try and eat bees eh?!
Our dog tries when she gets the opportunity - I keep telling her if she does, it'll need to be a trip to the vet to sort her out. :rolleyes:
Yes the bees are large this year, and they seem to dance at the windows -or round dogs mouths! :lol:
A huge one flew into my house today, I am sure it was wearing red pants and a cape!
Blimey! :bigeyes:
I haven't seen any bees at all this year - maybe becasue it's still February up here.... (I am half-way up a mountain!)
Mr Smoo said he saw a few when he was away working last week - said they were quite huge and rather fluffy, but I put that down to the amount of still lemonade he'd be drinking while he was away!
Oh I do hope they aren't nasty stingers - I come out in major deformed lumps with all sorts of biting things :cry: I hope the small ones are more juicy.... :unsure:
trying to control the urge to scream and flap!!
Enterian
17-05-06, 07:39 PM
I've got a bumble bee hive in my garden this year, they're great pollenators, better than honey bees in fact.
The really big ones are probably queens looking to start a new nest.
They're very docile and will only sting if severely provoked. I can open my hive and check the contents without any problem (and without protective clothing!)
Enterian
Matthew
17-05-06, 07:54 PM
That sounds cool Enterian, take some snapshots for us, if you can? :)
marieuk
18-05-06, 09:34 AM
Hi all
Matthew i agree bees are huge at the mo, Mythos Mr Muk is the same he is pertrified of bees and wasps i dont mind getting rid of the bees as like enterian said they rarely sting but wasp are a different kettle of fish altogether they seem to go for me it must be my perfume :D :D
Love Muk xxx
Annabel
18-05-06, 10:17 AM
Ive not seen any bees yet, but I wanted to ask Enterian...how did you set up your bumble bee hive, i would love to have one! i like to encourage good insects into my garden, this year I have been very pleased with all the ladybirds and we have had a good few pretty dragon flies already :D
I havent got a hive but I have a wild life lodge :lol: its a wooden box with bamboo in it for the bees, and theres a bit for lady birds and lacewings....I dont know if its being used though, I am not ready to stick my head in it just incase they are in there! :D
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growing success site here (http://www.growingsuccess.org.uk/detail.asp?ID=Ladybird+%2D+Mason+Bee+%2D+Lacewing+ Lodge&cat=Wildlife_Lodges) theres lots of different boxes on this site :)
Annabel
18-05-06, 11:49 AM
:D I have added that website to my favourites, Beth, I see they have a 'bumble bee rest' and allsorts of excellent boxes for different types of insects and a robin box...no doubt i shall be buying several!!! thanks for that! :notworthy: :)
Check out and see if any local woodlands/nature reserves/local authorities/wildlife trusts are having activity days - we do them here on our countryside sites, the kids (and adults) can come along and make a "bug hotel" or bird boxes, bird feeders, hedgehog hides etc :)
They're easy to make, and a lot cheaper, we charge £1.50 per item as the cost for materials - oh, and they work too :thumbs:
good idea eeyore :) , also its spring watch weekend coming up here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/events/)
had to tell you all! very excited! :lol:
its the first time I have been able to get into the garden for ages and I checked out my wildlife lodge and there's bees in it!!!!
they have actually sealed the ends of some of the bambo canes with mud! :wow: I am so happy I am now a bee land lady! :lol: do you think I should charge them rent? :D
I guess the pollunation they should be doing will be enough :)
That's great news Beth - we've lots of bees flying around here and ladybirds too (but no housemartins in the nest box we bought them :( apparently it's early yet though )
Are your bees paying Council Tax? :P