Bumble bees

[Digger_07]

???My compost heap has at least 3 different types of bumble bee nesting in it.  I know that they will die out over winter and only the queens live to start a new colony next year.  My question is - when is it safe to use my much desired compost without the risk of disturbing a colony of bees that are still viable? :-\

[Digger_07]

[Robert_Brenchley]

When the bees disappear. It all depends on the weather in early autumn, and I think on the species of bee as well. But you should be OK after the first frosts.