Bees in bird house

tinacee2002

can anybody tell me what kind of bees these are please?  They’ve taken up residence in a birdhouse that was used by tits las year.  Not sure what I should do.

Fire

Celebrate?

nutcutlet

Usually Tree Bumblebees in this situation. They'll be gone in a few weeks. You don't need to do anything but if you're worried and they;'re in an awkward place, tape over the hole when they get settled in the evening, move the box and take the tape off early next morning. This is how I receive rescued bees.

AnniD

They look like a type of bumblebee to me. There's no reason for you to worry, they will come and go without taking any notice of you, and eventually will move on. 

tinacee2002

Don’t really want to move them but I have young grandchildren who play in the garden so want to make sure they won’t be stung.

tinacee2002

Thank you for your reply.  I thought they were bumblebees!

AnniD

Bumblebees won't sting unless severely provoked, if you keep the children away (if you can !), the bees won't take any notice of them.

Fire

If the box is high up on the wall, everyone should be fine.

tinacee2002

Thank you everyone, the bird house is up about 8feet on the north wall so we should be safe.  I am reassured.  I like having them there, watching them come and go, just concerned for the grandchildren. 

Lizzie27

Bees are native to this country so children have to get used to them. Just teach them not to touch any insect they find but just to watch them.

tinacee2002

Hi Lizzie 
thanks for your reply.  the older children are fine but  we have one year old twins who are my main concern.  One of them has tried to pick up a bee that came down the chimney and was dying.  they'll learn but not there yet.