Daniel Smith2

Hissing Bees??

The 'hissing in my garden is in fact a bees nest. I decided to cut back some of the tall grass, and sure enough a colony?/swarm?/grist? of bees have burrowed beneath the lawn surface. The 'roof' of the hive is beautiful - and could quite easily be mistaken for sunkissed popcorn. Needless the say the bees did not appreciate my curiosity for too long, as a number were quick to emerge from the ground openings, take flight and pilot themselves around my body as if weaving an invisble net around me to deter me from getting any closer to their honey or queen. I escaped 'unstung'  and I have since crafted a circular fence around the entrace of the hive, so as to protect it from the lawn mower and strimmer. I can now casually observe the bees entering and exiting their nest (until the grass grows tall again) and the Clematis will have to remain unkept as I have no further ambition to disturb this area throughout the summer.

Hissing Bees??

Thank you for your comments. I have no ambitions to go near the 'hissing' border - I'm still torn between the idea whether the bees are hissing at me or whether something more sinister is lurking beneath the tall grass. I have watched the bees fly back and forth with 'baskets' full of pollen - it would be fascinating to see what craftmanship has taken place beneath the soil surface. I have consciousy developed my garden to support a plethora of flora and fauna, and just hadn't expected bees to set up camp or under ground for that matter.

Hissing Bees??

Thank you for the updates. I have checked the site again this morning and the 'hissing' creature whatever it may be is still there and is still angry. I note now that there is a hole in the ground and a bee was entering it  - with it's 'baskets' filled with pollen. The frog/toad was back in the same place - so I can't be sure whether it's bee or frog that is hissing. Either way - I am leaving them alone. I hadn't considered Blue Tits - I have a lovely family of them in my garden at present.

Hissing Bees??

Thank you for your advice Alina. I'll check it again in the morning. I'd rather it bees than a rat or a snake. It seems too coincidental that 2 bees crawled out - we shall see and I'll keep you posted.

Hissing Bees??

I live in St Helens, Merseyside. I had thought it unsual to be a bees nest - but then I am convinced  I read an article which described a bees nest 'hissing' to warn away predators such as mice if they enter their underground nest.

My other thought was that it could be mammalian i.e. rat which would concern me, as I do feed the birds alot. I did investigate it somewhat thoroughly, and I couldn't see anything other than the 2 bees and a frog.

Hissing Bees??

Thank you for your response Alina. There was a frog aswell in the grass, I watched that hop away and the hissing continued. I just thought it was a conincidence that 2 bees appeared as the base of the grass stems. I'm worried to be honest - I really hope it isn't a snake. It definitely sounds more like a loud hiss than a buzz. Whatever it is, it was angry and did not want me near. The problem is, its beneath my clematis, buddleia and bird bath - so it's an area I visit frequently.

Hissing Bees??

I was cutting some tall grass in my garden this evening, and when I came to a certain section, I heard a rather loud hissing noise - which startled me as my instant thought was that I had a snake - which would be very unusual in my region. After some further investigation (shaking the tall grass) the hissing got louder and longer and I noticed two bumble bees emerge from the base of the tall grass.

Do bumble bees hiss? Is it likely that I have a rather large swarm settling - the hissing was incredibly loud and threatening.

I have consciously tailored my garden to be wildlife friendly, however the area they have settled (if it is bees) is rather impractical  and would look unsightly if i allow the grass to grow further.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Hissing Bees??