Bumble bee nest

20 years ago

Hello! I have a raised bed that I do some of my gardening in. There are five sections to this garden and two of them have perennials, the others being veggies.

I have daylilies in one that I was thinking needed dividing this season and fortunately I noticed the other day that bumble bees are nesting in the soil there. I hate to think what could have happened had I began digging before noticing those babies. Yikes!

Anyway, I have never had to deal with something like this before...wasps are a different story. Is there anything we can do ourselves or do we need to call in someone professional to take care of them? I hate the thought that they will be killed....they have probably been responsible for most of my flowers and veggies....but I also cannot let them takeover my garden.

Help!

Kristy

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Comments (7)

jean001
20 years ago
They won't take over your garden.

The colony will die at the end of the season, and the mated queens will overwinter elsewhere.

So, if it's possible to avoid that area until they're gone, please do so.
rubybaby43
Original Author
20 years ago
Oh, thank you!! I assumed they would hibernate there and continue to use the spot year after year. I can certainly live with them borrowing space for the season. Lilies can be divided anytime. I'm not in that big of a rush.

Thanks again!!
Kristy :)
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
20 years ago
Sometime this winter, investigate the area so that you can eliminate whatever tunnel or hole they were using. BB's don't dig their own nest sites, but find little vacant sites in which they can take over. You will want to fill it in or you'll likely find a new nest their next year.
rubybaby43
Original Author
20 years ago
Sometime this winter, investigate the area so that you can eliminate whatever tunnel or hole they were using. BB's don't dig their own nest sites, but find little vacant sites in which they can take over. You will want to fill it in or you'll likely find a new nest their next year.

Aha!! I have had a mole burrowing in my raised bed this year. Been finding all sorts of holes and demolishing them as I find them. The one part of the planter where the bees have been is so packed full of flowers that I never really thought to look there to see if the mole had been there too.

Thanks for the tip! I'll take care of that when I know the bees are done for the season!

Thank you for all the help!
Kristy :)
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
20 years ago
Aha is right! They will often use the in ground nests or tunnels of animals as their own. Mr. Mole has provided just the right environment!
rubybaby43
Original Author
20 years ago
Mr. Mole has provided just the right environment!

I should have taken Mr. Mole out when I saw him. I just don't have the heart to do it. It is usually DH's job and he's been laid up with a broken leg. I'd put something in the planter if I weren't growing veggies in it. But I have plans for taking care of this planter to prevent the scoundrel from making it a home in the future summers!
Kristy ;)
fairy_toadmother
20 years ago
they nest in my shed wall about every other year. if they nest next year that will make 3 times in 5 years, so a little early to be exact in that theory. i truly enjoy being hostess.