Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Technical - Help or Info - NON Motorcycle > Bee (poss wasp) expert?

[NBs996]

No expert, but saw a programme once...
Sounds like the behavior of African Honey Bees, nicknamed 'killer bees' because of their speed and aggression, they'll come after you if they have just a vague suspicion that you're a threat!

Thing is though, i seem to recall they're not found in europe, just africa and america. Can't imagine why they'd want to go to Nottingham!

[ChrisBushell]

Originally Posted by NBs996

No expert, but saw a programme once...
Sounds like the behavior of African Honey Bees, nicknamed 'killer bees' because of their speed and aggression, they'll come after you if they have just a vague suspicion that you're a threat!

Thing is though, i seem to recall they're not found in europe, just africa and america. Can't imagine why they'd want to go to Nottingham!

Sounds like another case of illegal immegrants!

[keith888]

I was trying to get a close look at one for identification but there was no activity. Thus, I threw a stick at the bush from a long way away. After a few seconds the whole bush came alive ie most definately a swarm of some description. They were buzzing around up to 10 feet away from the bush looking for something to attack. I too did not think we had the agressive strains in the UK. If thats what normal bees do in a swarm then I hate to think what the killer bees do!! Funny thing is that we have now been stung 4 time between us and not once was a stinger left.

Keith

[antonye]

A quick spray of petrol and a match will sort it...

Seriously though, it sounds like they are swarming to find another nest. They are aggresive because the queen is in there somewhere so they are protecting her.

Your local council will be able to help, and will most likely put you in touch with a local bee keeper who will be able to get them into a hive and take them away for you.

[keith888]

I managed to get a bit closer later on and you could see an obvious wasp nest in the bush. I managed to get a photo and its clear that the big b****rs flying in/out of the nest have little or no yellow striping which accounts for my confusion at identifying them. I spoke to the local wildlife expert at work this morning and he reckons they are Median wasps which are bigger than the native version and are known to be particularly aggressive at defending the nest. Apparently an import from Europe escaping a warming continent!

Keith

[Monty]

Originally Posted by keith888

I managed to get a bit closer later on and you could see an obvious wasp nest in the bush. I managed to get a photo and its clear that the big b****rs flying in/out of the nest have little or no yellow striping which accounts for my confusion at identifying them. I spoke to the local wildlife expert at work this morning and he reckons they are Median wasps which are bigger than the native version and are known to be particularly aggressive at defending the nest. Apparently an import from Europe escaping a warming continent!

Keith

According to Google the Median wasp came over in the early '80s and is now established even north of the Scottish border!
Their nests usually hang from tree or bush branches, and they can be aggressive in defence of them-I think you already found out that last bit...............

John

[antonye]

Speak to the local council as they have people to deal with wasps nests who will take them away for you, usually foc.

[keith888]

Yeah, I had a look on Google as well. Seems that away from the nest they are normally less aggressive than normal wasps ie if you wave your arms around them they will fly off. Thus, seems a shame to kill them given that they are keeping greenfly etc at bay. However, the results of one of the kids kicking a ball into the bush does not bear thinking about. I'm still a bit shocked about finding such an aggressive insect in a suburban garden!

Keith