Bees living under my house. Should I be worried or happy?

[tomtemama]

I know that I've read bee posts here before so I'm hoping that some of you who have the knowledge I'm looking for can help me out.

We moved into our new (to us) house about a month ago. After living here for about a week I noticed that wild honey bees seem to be living under the porch or possibly under the house. We intend on having a large garden and have just planted some fruit trees so I'm more than happy to have them so close to help out with pollination. Also, I am so happy to see a thriving colony of bees given the current state of the bee population in general. However, I have 3 small children. Are bees territorial? Is there a chance that they will swarm one of us? Is this all misinformation that I have been lead to believe about bees or can they. Both dh and I went and stood right by where they are coming and going. They didn't seem concerned they just buzzed about out legs and feet for a second and then carried on with their business. Any and all information or advice would be greatly appreciated! TIA.

[hildare]

they can be territorial.  luckily, there ought to be a free solution for you...

you can find out if there's an extension agent to contact in your area or check local classifieds or craigslist - they're swarming (sorry, sorry) with notices from beekeepers who will do free removal.  you might want to see if they'd be willing to help you set up a hive since you have food and are interested, though.

i love the bees but i don't want to share my house with them.  multiple stings for a little one could be tragic, and that kind of thing happens...

[I Fly]

I agree that a local beekeeper or extension agent or group could help you find resources to capture the bee colony.  I don't think it's a good idea to just allow them to build under the porch or house.  They can make a real mess in any cavity they find to build their hive - which isn't so bad in a tree in the woods, but terrible in a house's walls!  Just so you know, taking those bees and putting them into a hive would be worth $100-$200 because the bees themselves are very valuable.  Buying the hive body and frames would cost another $100-$200.  Basic equipment, another $100.  When a hive sends out a swarm because they lack space in a hive, they all cluster in one spot, often a tree branch, and wait for scout bees to find a good home and come tell them about it.  The worker bees all cluster around the queen, and they are usually very docile because they've tanked up on honey for the journey, and because they have no home to protect.  That is the easiest way to "catch" bees in the wild.  Getting bees out from under your house will be harder.  They will quiet down in winter.  If moved now to a brand new hive, they probably wouldn't make it through the winter because they would lack honey stores and supplies to overwinter.  Maybe you could gather ideas and solicit help, then tackle this first thing in the spring.

If you or anyone does get stung, the bee itself will die, but will often have alerted other bees to danger.  The best thing to do if you are stung or hear them buzzing around you (and interested in YOU, not a flower) is to calmly walk away.  Running and swatting at them will only intensify their focus on you as a threat.  Also, if stung, scrape the stinger out of your skin before all the bee venom is pumped into you.  Apply honey to the sting.  

We have two hives right now, and we located them a fair distance from the garden and house.  If you are in their "flight path," in and out of the hive, you can get stung.  During some parts of the year, they may act more aggressively.  During fall, when they are protecting what they've stored for winter, they are more ornery.  

I got started by taking a bee class from our county's extension agency.  It was very helpful and a great deal.  Good luck!

[JudiAU]

I'd find someone qualified to move them out of your house like from a county extension if you are rural or find someone who clearly is experienced. Sometimes animal control can refer you to someone experienced with bees (in a city).  You don't want them building hives in the walls of your house.

Oh, and until they moved you really, really need to wear shoes outside at all times. I stepped on bee the other day and bee stings HURT. HURT. And I am not even allergic. I am so glad it was me and not one of my kids. (We have a lot of flowering trees in our backyard.)