When i come across bees in a chimney, smoking them out is the best option as it doesn't kill them. It can take 2-3 days for them to move though, so I don't know if this is a viable option for you.
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Culmstock area - Devon TRF Group member - KTM 690 Enduro
If all else fails I suppose you could douse the nest with carb cleaner and set fire to it in the evening when they are virtually non active...They do recommend you do not do this though as bee population is decreasing...
I'm very keen on re-homing, but not willing to attempt it, was cutting down tree next to the nest before I realized it was there and my 10 year old got stung in the face.....
Think there is someone called a swarm officer, will ring him to try. The specialist suppliers of bee things in Oke suggested Oke Bee society, but they don't answer emails.
I will get a number from my mate at work who has just taken up bee keeping and has a new hive installed by a bee expert. Please do not destroy them, they are the insects that pollinate the plants. No plants nothing to eat.
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Took the Queens Shilling and disappeared for 23 Years !!
From that page: "If you see a bee swarm in a reasonably accessible place and want it removed, call the local swarm line and we will put you in touch with a beekeeper who can safely take the swarm."
If they don't want the hive but are willing to help move it im happy to adopt them. I was thinking about starting a hive next year.
Do you think the compost bin they are in could be moved complete?
Its quite heavy as its half full of grass cuttings. I've tried to clear the soil around it and see if it is moveable, but when it started making a loud buzzing noise, I ran away and looked up bee keepers on the internet instead. The bin is one of those plastic things so guess if the bees were happy it could be done...