Bumblebee lodgings

[Jayb]

I was given a glazed ceramic bumble bee house/hive for Christmas. I'm trying to decide on a good location to site it in the garden, the garden is bordered by a native type hedge all around, with banks and hedge to some aspects.

Wondering what is the best nest material to use and generally looking for any tips anyone may have.

It came with some cotten wool type bedding, but I'm not sure if their little legs will catch in it?!

[Geoff H]

If you can, get some used pet bedding from a mouse or rat cage, if its a bit whiffy all the better. When the queens start looking for suitable holes in early spring they are attracted by the smell of rodent urine cause the rodents will have collected suitable nesting material before they abandoned the used nest. I had to rescue a bumble nest from under a shed that was being demolished. The nest was in an old rat's nest and had dry moss, leaves and paper. Place the nest somewhere sheltered and not in the sun. if its in the sun it will overheat and the bees will work themselves in to a frenzy trying to cool it down.

[Jayb]

Geoff, thanks for your help

I've managed to get some mouse bedding, which I've mixed with some moss and sheeps wool. I've positioned the hive in a bank, which faces NEish and is shaded by a tree. So fingers crossed it becomes a house for something other than mice!

[vegwise]

Hi Jayb

I Hope you have success with your bumblebee nest. 

However I would take the sheep's wool out as they my become intangled in it.

Please post how you got on.

VW

[tonybloke]

moss and mouse nest, are favourite!!