Home › Forums › Open Discussion › Calling Beekeepers! Honey Bees in the Juniper!
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August 10, 2013 at 3:05 am #608608
The Velvet BulldogParticipantAt least I THINK they’re honey bees–they look like this:
http://share2.esd105.org/rsandelin/Fieldguide/Animalpages/Insects/Bees-wasps.htm#Honey_Bee
They’ve drilled perfect holes down into a Juniper shrub and they’re happily buzzing about the garden. I would love for for a honey-bee keeper to positively ID them, gather them and give them a good long-term home, if possible.
Please contact me at morevelvetbulldog at gmail dot com if you have the mad skillz for bee gathering/keeping.
Thanks!!
August 10, 2013 at 3:12 am #795729
miwsParticipantTVB, maybe contact Lauren Englund/West Seattle Bee Garden?
If she can’t take them, maybe she knows who can?
http://www.westseattlebeegarden.com/
Mike
August 10, 2013 at 3:43 am #795730
WSBKeymasterIs it a swarm? We published what to do about those earlier this year. The Beekeepers Association generally has somebody who can help.
https://westseattleblog.com/2013/04/earth-day-and-beyond-what-to-do-if-you-spot-a-honey-bee-swarm
August 10, 2013 at 4:46 am #795731
The Velvet BulldogParticipantNot a swarm hanging off of anything. They seem to have burrowed into the middle of the overgrown Juniper. They seem quite happy, I just want them taken somewhere a neighbor won’t be tempted to spray them.
Thanks Mike and Tracy! I’ll make some calls tomorrow.
August 10, 2013 at 8:42 pm #795732
anonymeParticipantVB, are you certain they’re not carpenter bees? I haven’t heard of honey bees boring into live wood, and even carpenter bees usually prefer dead wood – or buildings. Could the holes have been pre-existing? I don’t have the answer, just speculating based on the little I know about bees. I do know that they are ALL beneficial, so I’m glad you’re trying to save them from the spray freaks.
August 10, 2013 at 9:17 pm #795733
miwsParticipantAugust 10, 2013 at 9:31 pm #795734
B-squaredParticipantWould you consider just leaving them be and maybe putting up a sign indicating that they are beneficial and NO SPRAYING? it’s a shame to try to move a wild colony of whatever they are as they are probably pretty happy there.
August 10, 2013 at 11:14 pm #795735
The Velvet BulldogParticipant*I* would be perfectly happy leaving them bee. (Ha.) However, they’re right by the sidewalk and I’m afraid someone might get too interested or freaked out and disturb or go after the bees. Making some calls to the Beekeeper Assoc folks to see about a positive ID and recommendations.
August 11, 2013 at 4:11 am #795736
BreezyParticipantAs a long-time organic gardener and lover of bees, I agree these sound like carpenter bees.
Mike, great visual with the little tool belts :)
I’d like to add there are situations that require the removal of a nest, such as in the garden/yard where gardener is allergic and needs to be able to safely continue chores.
For some people, spraying may be the only choice for safe removal of certain stinging/biting insects. ‘spray freaks’ is a bit harsh..
August 11, 2013 at 2:06 pm #795737
The Velvet BulldogParticipantThey don’t look like the carpenter bee photos I’m seeing online, but who knows?
Maybe they’re not carpenter bees–maybe they’re Landscaper Bees and if I just leave them there, they’ll prune down that overgrown Juniper for me! :-)
August 11, 2013 at 7:53 pm #795738
The Velvet BulldogParticipantWhoops. NOT honey bees. While I do have quite a few honey bees in my yard (yay!) they’re not the ones using the Juniper. Just sent some photos off to a bee person to get an ID and figure out next steps.
August 12, 2013 at 1:16 am #795739
BreezyParticipantCarpenter bees? I could use some to build a kitchen island. Landscaper bees? I could always use a helping hand in the garden. Where are the housekeeper bees? I need help cleaning house!
hee-hee
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