bees in the birdie house

Is there a local bee keeper that you could ask?

Are they bumblebees or honey bees? More likely to be bumble bees, in which case leave them to get on with it. They need all the help they can get. We had a colony in a bird box a couple of years ago but sadly they all died after a few weeks. They only last through the summer anyway and are very unlikely to return to the same box next year. I found them and their comings and goings fascinating. They are far less likely to sting than honeybees.

Bumble bees are the real pollinators, I read recently - honey bees are less good as they have smooth bodies that don't pick up pollen so well.

I live and learn...

I had a bumble bee nest in a small bird nesting box a couple of years ago. They often choose a place that has previously been a mouse nest. I was very happy about this but sadly the colony got invaded by wax moths who destroyed it. They devour wax of the combs. They left behind their own nest - a tangled mass of really tough silk.
Bumble bees don't go round stinging humans. I am happy to pick one up.
Did you mean to post a picture?

Sorry no picture but they are small brown bees. I am happy for them to be there but just wondered if we just leave them and they will move out eventually. Will try an find a beekeeper to ask .

Doubt if honey bees unless it is a very big bird house. A honey bee swarm is quite big. More like a carrier bag full of bees than a pocket full.

Where about's are you Seasider ? This is such a coincidence as someone has just told my DH exactly the same thing (We are in the North East ) I like to see bees buzzing around my garden. I am a keen amateur gardener but I have to admit that a hive would terrify me! I think expert advice is needed here.

Hi Gilly I am in Lancashire on the Fylde coast. There seem to be a few bees going in and out of the bird house but not hundreds. So far they are not bothering us but I will find a bee person to ask.

Sounds like a bumble nest seasider - they do look much more round and furry than honey bees.

We had bees in a nest box last year & again this year. However this weekend I noticed that wasps are going in & out & no sign of bees. I have read online that wasps will take over a bees' nest- kill the bees & use the nest. The 'bedding' is now bursting out of the box so I will
(reluctantly) get rid of the wasps. I have no real problem with wasps- they eat a lot of garden pests- but DH is allergic to them so as it is right outside the kitchen door they will have to go.

I think I'll take down the nest boxes once the tits have finished with them next year as the bees' nest last year could not be removed without breaking the box- but the GC took great delight in taking it to school afterwards.

Yes, sound like bumble bees (small rounder and darker than honey bees). We have had them nesting in our eaves this year enjoying the lavender and sage flowers. There were not that many of them and they go after two or three months - ours seem to have gone already.

If they were honey bees they would be a a large swarm as JessM said. In that case you could get a local beekeeper to come to try to entice them away if they are accessible.