BEES!!

[orchidsarefun]

this is an interesting article:
All About Yellow Jackets, Bees, Wasps & Hornets | Gardener's Supply
As I said previously a photo, or at least a description, would help identify what you have.

[DeaC]

Originally Posted by annierj

I have a problem with some very aggressive bees who have taken up residence in my cymbidium orchid bark. I don't think they are honey bees, as they are too aggressive and attack when you water....so I don't mind trying to eradicate them, as they leave painful reminders. But, I don't want to put toxins into my orchid, as it is sending out new growth. Any suggestions as to how to treat this problem??

As it is, I have to figure out how to spill out the bark and carefully remove the plant....all in the dark, when the bees are not trying to sting me....and then repot the orchid and get it settled before winter sets in...

I live in Northern Kentucky and have had honey bees in the walls of my house...these are different...smaller...mean spirited...

thanks for any help that can be offered.

Call the Turtle Man!!!

[annierj]

Thank you all for the feedback... as I have had honey bees in my walls before, I do know what the different bees look like. My normal mode is not to interfere and let nature have its way but these guys are very aggressive. I have young grandchildren and their safety is paramount.

I bring all my orchids inside for the winter and I am not offering sanctuary to bugs that sting me when I try and water! I have had chipmunks, mice, snakes, bats, flying squirrels and raccoons INSIDE my house and all have been safely returned to the outside world. Not one has tried to bite or attack me when I was walking by.... I draw the line at self defense...besides, my daughter is a wildlife biologist and I do have to justify my methods to her...

In all fairness, I do realize that they are defending their turf but my orchids come first...so the bees have to go. They have not accepted my offer to flee or move their nest, so they are now on my "list".....

Will keep you all posted! Again, many thanks for all the insight and helpful solutions. Once again this site has proved that collective knowledge is vastly superior....particularly to my own.

[Subrosa]

Let's be fair. Unless the bees paid for the orchids they're living in they're not defending their turf, they're invading yours.

[annierj]

Got it.....LOVE the way you think! Here's to turf warriors and the magic of dry ice -- this weekend....hopefully will see Monday un-stung and bee-less (at least in the orchid).

[Ferns Daddy]

I had wasps trying to move in to some of my larger potted plumeria's I was told to use Epsom salt to get rid of the, they don't like the taste of the salt and will move on. they also won't walk on it.

[annierj]

Epsom salt? Really? Do yellowjackets behave the same way? If the dry ice doesn't work, might try that.... just to be a pistol, if they don't like to walk on it, how do they crawl out to escape? Or is that not a problem worth worrying about as long as they leave???? curious, curious....

[Ferns Daddy]

The ones who don't make it out become organic matter. So I wouldn't worry about it.

[annierj]

Right....no sleep lost on that one....and free organic material!! Thanks.

[lepetitmartien]

- Wasps are pollinators has adults feed on nectar and visit flowers. (can't tell for all but a lot)
- dry ice is *_cold_*
- epsom salts damages the exoskeleton, to death. Wonder why they don't like?