bees in compost bin

[KayJay]

I asked OH to turn the contents of my compost bin Sunday. He used the large fork but suddenly backed off- there was a bees nest at the bottom, and they didn't like being disturbed.
We will leave well alone now, but will they stay there ? How long?
Will I have to start another compost bin some where else?
Any suggestions?
Thanks for any advice

[Capsid]

The nest could be there sometime so I'd call up the local beekeeper who will remove it for you.

[NOG]

Have a look at the bees. You may find that they are Bumble Bees. Most are solidatry but some types make annual nests.

If they are Bumbles you are stuck with them as they are protected...but will die at the end of the year...

When it happened to me I carried on using the bin and we got on fine.

[crichmond]

Hi KayJay

I have emailed and PMed you with a view to collecting them.

Assuming they are honey bees, if not advice will be given.

[FB.]

One of my composters has a bumblebee nest. I'm not sure that honey bees would choose such a nest site.
I suspect that the nest is now ruined and will be abandoned, but I'd try to leave it alone and watch for activity. I've left my composter alone since discovering my nest. I'll clear out the nest this winter (which is usually when I empty my older composter to dig into the ground for the spring, anyway); bumblebee nests die during the winter and are not generally used again.

[KayJay]

Thanks for advice, at the moment no idea which bees they are, but will get in touch with
chris who will help.

[NOG]

One of my composters has a bumblebee nest. I'm not sure that honey bees would choose such a nest site.
I suspect that the nest is now ruined and will be abandoned, but I'd try to leave it alone and watch for activity. I've left my composter alone since discovering my nest. I'll clear out the nest this winter (which is usually when I empty my older composter to dig into the ground for the spring, anyway); bumblebee nests die during the winter and are not generally used again.

I contnued to add stuff when I had bumbles in my compost bin....and we got on ok. Next Spring they were gone.

[crichmond]

Did an inspection today and they are bumble bees and they seem very healthy indeed, I have advised them to leave the nest alone then turn over the compost in november.

[NOG]

Did an inspection today and they are bumble bees and they seem very healthy indeed, I have advised them to leave the nest alone then turn over the compost in november.

Please Do...a lot of bumbles are getting rare these days. They wont hurt you.

[KayJay]

I must thank Chris for such swift action regarding MY! bees. Only sorry that they are not honey bees, Chris was already to rescue them to the safety of one of his hives.
We and our bumble bees (I feel so privileged they have chosen my compost bin) will get along nicely I'm sure.
Thanks again Chris
Kath

[Spiderling]

Hi all. Oooh I do like a happy ending! That's brilliant. I love bees and we have been reading up on beekeeping but don't think we have the time to commit to it properly, so we will leave it for the time being. There are some lovely people on this forum. Restores ones faith in human nature. Cheers