Post by Felix Groovy on Sept 29, 2010 15:57:53 GMT -7
Gentle Colleagues:
In about May of 2010, I started in on a bathroom remodel. I discovered a bumble bee nest in the attic near the project, where it still exists today. The nest is in the attic insulation just next to the ceiling that came out. I covered the nest 100% in 1/4" hardware mesh and fashioned a fully protected route for the workers to exit from and return to the building. They adapted just fine. I have been working right next to them ever since.
Recently the activity in the nest trailed off dramatically. Very few workers are coming and going. I still hear insects in the nest, but cannot see them. I've read that a bumble bee nest persists for only the season, but it seems early to have it start to wind down. I've been fond of the nest through this project. I hope that the construction didn't cause an early demise to the nest.
Here are my questions:
1) Can anyone comment on the natural cycle for such a nest in the Willamette Valley (Corvallis)? Is late September the normal time for nests to begin to wind down?
2) Does anyone KEEP bumble bees? Like I say, I have grown fond of this nest, so I am mildly interested in hosting some in the future.
3) I have not put any finishing touches in the new bathroom yet, but I may consider a bumble bee motif. Any suggestions?
In about May of 2010, I started in on a bathroom remodel. I discovered a bumble bee nest in the attic near the project, where it still exists today. The nest is in the attic insulation just next to the ceiling that came out. I covered the nest 100% in 1/4" hardware mesh and fashioned a fully protected route for the workers to exit from and return to the building. They adapted just fine. I have been working right next to them ever since.
Recently the activity in the nest trailed off dramatically. Very few workers are coming and going. I still hear insects in the nest, but cannot see them. I've read that a bumble bee nest persists for only the season, but it seems early to have it start to wind down. I've been fond of the nest through this project. I hope that the construction didn't cause an early demise to the nest.
Here are my questions:
1) Can anyone comment on the natural cycle for such a nest in the Willamette Valley (Corvallis)? Is late September the normal time for nests to begin to wind down?
2) Does anyone KEEP bumble bees? Like I say, I have grown fond of this nest, so I am mildly interested in hosting some in the future.
3) I have not put any finishing touches in the new bathroom yet, but I may consider a bumble bee motif. Any suggestions?
