Bumble Bee Problem...

[Tommy VanNess]

Way Off Topic, but we have a bit of a bee problem. Now that it is spring, the bumble bees are back. I am in an apartment and up on the third floor. My balcony is right in front of a big tree that when starting to bloom, the bumble bees kind of move in to the area. The problem is that they are everywhere, buzzing and crawling around the balcony. (a few have even gotten inside.) We can't even get out onto the balcony because there are so many of them. Does anybody have a good recommendation on a bumble bee trap or a repellant that will get rid of them. My apartment said they will not deal with it and that it is pretty much my problem. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.



Tommy

 

[Gary DiPietroSr]

Check with the local health dept. if there is a nest on your building, they might be able to help and make the landlord remove it.

 

[Dan Miller 3]

Tommy...Is the tree (and balcony) in the front or back? I had the same problem a number of years ago and the landlord told me the same thing. I told the landlord I was going to drop the tree (balcony and tree in the back...facing a hillside with woods). The landlord said I couldn't do that. I said "Watch me. You said it's my problem so I'm going to deal with it!". A chain saw...a couple of buddies to push and drag...problem gone. Landlord wasn't happy and I said "Talk to my lawyer". Not another word...

 

[brandon mena]

That's what I say. Chop, chain, and drag away with the ST.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

You can have your balcony sprayed as well as the surrounding area of the building. The bees will still go to the tree but stay away from you.



I have to have my wooden deck sprayed every year. No problem until next springs. It even keeps the wasps away.

 

[Tommy VanNess]

I wish I could chop it and drag it away. Unfortunately, the lay out of the apartment isn't very friendly to this situation. The balcony is right at "leaf-level" with the tree. As I walk out onto the balcony, I am looking directly into the tree. So,I always have squirrels and birds running around. Every year at about this time the bees come back (Pollen I guess) and they stick around for a few months. I am up on the third floor, and when I walk out on the balcony, I am looking down on my ST and across the apartment road to another building.



Great advice guys, Thanks. I am going to call the the health dept and look into getting the balcony sprayed. Great story about your tree Dan. Awesome!



Tommy

 

[Andy G]

Bees hate smoke.



On my deck, a couple of citronella candles (typically used for mosquitoes) keep the bees in my garden off my deck. But it sounds like you are dealing with more creatures than I am.....probably won't work in your situation.......



Just don't light the place on fire



Of course, that would most certainly get the bees to go away........

 

[Casey B]

I agree with AndyG, some smoke will keep them away. As long as they are green eyed I wouldn't worry too much but the black eyed bumble bees could be dangerous and also do alot of drilling in the wood.

 

[Paul H]

they actually make bumblebee and yellow jacket traps can get them at your local hardware store or kmart or walmart. hang them under the balcony and they will be drawn to the trap instead of the balcony. also they make spray that actually kills them with an electrical shock. not enough to hurt you but kills them pretty good. try that it should help. otherwise chop and drag away

 

[Pat Freeman]

Years ago we had a bee problem and called a local bee keeper. He took care of the bees at no charge. These guys have special powders that they can use to keep the bees away. Try contacting a bee keeper.

 

[Tommy VanNess]

Thanks for all the advice. I think they are the black-eyed bees because they are in and out of the woodwork. There are what look to be 2x4s that line the ceiling of the balcony, and believe it or not, there are holes on both sides that I always see them crawling in and out of. I will address all of these options first thing tomorrow. Thanks again.



Tommy

 

[Tom Schindler]

Years ago we had a bee problem and called a local bee keeper. He took care of the bees at no charge.

They work with Honey Bees. They are an endangered species in some area's and very valueable to a beekeeper. A bumblebee is a different animal.



Tommy, since they are boring into the wood, you have a case to report insect infestation in your apartment complex. That would violate building and/or health codes.





Tom

 

[Nelson Atwell]

Man, I hate cheap landlords. I hope I never have to rent again. I may have to pay to fix everything now, but at least I don't have to deal with anyone's uncaring attitude anymore (except when I go to the Ford dealership).