Hello, I hope someday to be able to answer a question rather than posting them all the time. I recently discovered a bumble bee nest in the ground under our hot tub gazebo. It is right by our patio, and my compost is also just a few feet away. I don't want to destroy the nest, these guys aren't agressive like wasps. I have barricaded both sides so my dog and visiting kids cannot access the nest, and I just want to know if it is okay to continue using the patio and compost, because they are so close to the nest. I tried to find info on the net, but there is conflicting info. One site stated that the bumblebees will have two entrances, while the other said they would only have one. does anyone out there know? thanks, Trish
Trish--I think you're doing well, keeping dogs/kids away. We did lose our fox terrier years ago from bumblebees...too nosey, they swarmed over the dog and it's heart couldn't take the shock. Except for extreme cases like terrier noses right in the nest entrance, tho, I agree that bumblebees are very innocuous...plus we really really need more bees these days! Please try to keep the nest, can't see any problem with the compost as long as the nest isn't right in the pile...
Slightly off topic, but I've noticed a severe lack of bees in the past couple years. It's gotten to the point where I've only seen 1-2 bumblebees and 0 honeybees all spring. To get back on track, I think you are definitely being thoughtful by allowing the bumblebee nest to stay where it is. However, I wouldn't take any chances with young children around. Personally, I'd get rid of the nest asap. Maybe people like myself are causing the decline in bumblebee/honeybee numbers... :( I just don't want to take a chance with young children around.
