I noticed some bees going in and out of a broken vent on the outside of my shed. I must have alerted them when I walked up because there were suddenly 10-20 coming out the vent. So I retreated.

I'm pretty sure they are honey bees, and there are no bees on the inside of the shed. They're probably nesting under the floor since there is no wall space and the vent is at ground level.

I don't want to harm the bees, I'm just wondering if there is a problem with leaving them there.

 

IMO, no. If they're not bothering you, I'd just leave them alone, especially if they're honey bees.

 

Works for me, thank you kind sir!

 

I'm actually a ma'am, but that's okay! Thought the ladie part gave it away!

 

Oh my! Maybe I should have read your name. Sorry about that.

 

You might want to post a picture (if possible) as honey bees are not typically as aggressive as you describe. Yellow jackets on the other hand will get upset very fast.

Give us your state as there is one variety of honey bee that is aggressive, Africanized bees and if that is what you have you will want them removed. Best to stay away.

Our bug expert will be along.

Bud

 

They're in Boise, Idaho, Bud.

 

being at ground level they may become a problem using a mower or weed eater or anything that makes much noise very close to the entrance.

 

Thanks Becky. I did some searching and it doesn't look likely that the African variety has made it that far north. However the 2003 map I looked at showed the spread to be half way up Nevada and given our warming trend it might not be impossible.

Personally I would contact the state authority and see what they have to say. Bugman will have the correct title for that organization. They may say not possible OR they may be very interested in making a determination.

Bud
I was reading this:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africanized_bee

 

There's plenty of yellow jackets around, and these ain't them.

The area is graveled so no mower issues.

 

If they are not honeybees, then winter will solve your problem this year. If they are honeybees, then they will overwinter and the nest/hive will become larger every year. Could eventually be a problem depending on who all uses the shed, their comfort level and allergy level, etc. Lot of variables.

Insect/bee biology varies from one geographic location to another so I'd suggest getting an objective but local opinion as to proper identity which will lead you to a better assessment. Here in PA the County Agricultural Extension Agency is a great place for objective (no selling) info. I've used them for proper tick ID myself. In PA it is Penn State that provides the service; not sure who it is in Utah but it will be a college/university. Try to find dead bodies to take in as specimens.

This time of year as nests/hives are older they are more aggressive so that could explain what you're experiencing. True for all bees/wasps, etc.

 

Thanks for the info! Kind person.

 

I've seen beekeepers ads on craigs list offering to remove hives. This is not the ad i remember but similar. I think beekeepers do it to save the bees.

https://easternshore.craigslist.org/grd/d/chestertown-bee-swarm-removal/6949090849.html

 

I'm fine with the bees. But thanks.