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Bumblebee nest and house move

9 replies

nomeslice · 31/05/2026 15:10

We have a target completion date of early July to move house (locally). We have some garden stuff that needs moving - mainly kids play equipment and a Wendy house. In having a look at how to dismantle the house we have discovered that there is a thriving bumblebee colony living under the porch.
My options are:

  1. Dismantle the house and destroy the colony. We will probably get stung and feel sad and guilty about destroying the nest.
  2. Try to move the nest. Ive read this is possible but not advised. Risky to the bees and may not be successful. Probably still get stung.
  3. Reach out to our buyers and explain the situation. Kindly ask that we come back and move the Wendy house in the early autumn when the bees have completed their cycle. This isn't ideal as we'd like a clean sale and move, and does inconvenience them. The Wendy house is at the bottom of the garden and isn't in the way and wouldn't stop them from enjoying the garden for the summer.

Is it reasonable to kindly ask our buyers if we can leave the bees alone? I don't want to be cheeky or annoying or risk contract breach but at the same time I don't want to disturb a precious bee colony.

OP posts:
ShutUpJennie · 31/05/2026 15:16

Oh this is tricky! Could a bee specialist help? I know that bee keepers will come and move honey bees but presumably that is so they can re-house them into a hive.

I would float the idea of leaving the Wendy house temporarily, as you suggest, and see what they say

WhatAMarvelousTune · 31/05/2026 15:17

Are they definitely bumblebees (I only ask because sometimes people say bumblebees for any kind of bee)?
If honeybees, a local beekeeper might be able to help?

nomeslice · 31/05/2026 15:28

They are definitely bumblebees. Big fluffy ones with white bums. I'm enjoying them buzzing all over the little flowers on our hedge. I'll see if I can find a local beekeeper. The Bumblebee Conservation Trust advises against moving and let them be(e).

OP posts:
TonTonMacoute · 31/05/2026 15:55

If I was your buyer I would be(e) more than happy to keep the play house until winter, it can't hurt to ask them. If they say no then you'll have to think again.

tinyspiny · 31/05/2026 15:58

In my area you’d be swamped by local bee keepers wanting to rehome them so I’d just ask on the local FB , or equivalent page .

AltitudeCheck · 31/05/2026 16:00

I would definitely ask, if I was moving I'd be delighted to have some bees to watch for the summer!

stealthninjamum · 31/05/2026 17:21

If I was moving I’d be happy to keep a Wendy house for a few months to avoid disturbing bees so I would ask your buyers.

LittleGreenShoots · 31/05/2026 17:24

If I was your buyers I would be happiest with option 3. I care about bees. And bumblebees don't overwinter in a hive so it has a known time frame.

Definitely doesn't hurt to ask.

CrowsInMyGarden · 31/05/2026 18:28

I too would be happy to have the wendy house in the garden. I think you should ask the buyers.

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