Honeybees have created a burrow-nest about 6 inches from my front step. (Nest opens into the deep pine straw, and may extend into the soil. Entrance is about 2-3 inches wide.) There is a lot of bee traffic in and out of the nest early in the day and drops off to nothing in the evening. They simply fly around me when I walk up and down the stairs. I know that honeybees are necessary to plant life and also that their populations are in danger. So I'm hesitant to exterminate the nest. At the same time, I'm apprehensive about it being so close to my walk-by. Since the nest is underground, I can't relocate it. So what do you think? Should I have it exterminated or try to do it myself? Or just try to ignore the bees? :?
Call me, my husband used to raise them. He can tell you what to do. First, are you sure that they are honey Bees? Dont exterminate them until you know. If you want to pm me, I can give you my number. Pattie He says they are not honeybees so kill them before they kill you. Honeybees only live in nests above the ground. He says they are ground bees. They look kinda like a honeybee but they are not. You can pour gas in the hole when it gets dusk, you do not have to light them. The gasoline will kill them.. He said get a dixie cup of gas with about 2 inches of gas in it. You can still call if u want. He is SMART when it comes to bees and nature.
If they are really honeybees and not some other kind of bees, you might be able to get a beekeeper to come and relocate the the hive. They wouldn't need to move the actual nest, just the bees. The Ag. Extension Service might be able to put you in touch with a beekeeper.
Thank you both for advice. T-4-T, I have PM'd you. No stings so far. Evenings are safe as the bees are asleep.
Well it was 8:50 PM and no buzzing around the nest - even when I shined a flashlight on the entrance. So I doused about 6 oz of gasoline into the entrance and RAN inside my house. Then looked out the window but could see no bees exiting the nest. I made this such a project! (very scared!) I suited up in long pants tucked into long winter socks, put on a down parka, wrapped a scarf around my neck and chin, put on a wide-brimmed hat and winter gloves. (HOT, HOT, HOT!) All that for about 5 seconds of action - the time it took to slop the gasoline into the hole and run into the house. I have some more gasoline for tomorrow, if the nest needs a second dose. Thank you T-4-T, and thanks to your hubby!!! :-D:-D:-D
So I take it, it was a wasp nest or some such, not honeybees after all? Hope they're gone for good! :-D
Well based on their appearance and the fact that they nested in a burrow, I think they might have been yellow jackets. I read that these can be aggressive, and so I'm glad that they are gone. (Will confirm tomorrow.)
Yes, you're probably right... yellowjackets nest in the ground and can attack when threatened, so good idea about trying to get rid of them. Earlier posters were right, too... honeybees don't nest in the ground (child of a beekeeper, too much randon bee knowledge in my head...lol) If you think they are no longer active, you can fill the opening with dirt and tamp it down to make sure any survivors can't get out too easily. (Not that I condone killing insects randomly, mind you- but when safety is an issue, you gotta do what you gotta do.)
