Who can I contact for Bees in small Park beside Pool on Claiborne

This weekend, I took my kids to the small park with basketball court by the large pool on Claiborne (with the slide)....and my kids came running at me yelling "bees!"

I looked at the wooden play gym, and there were about 5 larger bees flying around. No cause for alarm, but just wondering who I can contact to see if they can check for a hive and get them moved.

Don't want to hurt/disturb them, but I also don't want any children to come up on them and surprise a possible hive.

I looked on the Home page and the Committee page...but didn't get any guidance there.

Anyone know who to contact?

 

You can always contact the HOA as a first call. Otherwise it would be the recreation committee which includes me. I will take a look at it either later today or in the morning.
Is this the one next to the big pool or the one next to the tennis courts?
Staci

 

You say it was larger bees correct? They may be wood boring bees and you would want to check any wood structure at the playground for holes. If they are honeybees you may be able to find a local beekeeper who could come over to collect them.

 

how about poking it with a stick?

 

Thanks for checking! It is the one next to the Big Pool - by the Basketball court. Let us know what you find out, please!

 

It was a quick look, as I wasn't sticking around ...:scaredeyes:...but I did note that they seemed big, but not the "fluffy" kind. Definitely bigger than the little honey bees. They flew very fast and in a circling motion under the wood playset - which made me think there might be a "home" under there....of course, I claim no expertise in bees!!!!

 

ummm, you first!!!

 

I went down there this afternoon and saw no signs of bees anywhere and there is definitely no nests or holes in any of the equipment.
There are some flowering jasmine just behind the playground area and that may have brought them into the area just for some food.
I looked under everything down there so I am certain there is no threat to any kids playing in the area

Staci

 

AWESOME! Thank you so much for checking!

 

Actually the 2 times I went to that park last summer we had the same experience with the bees so we haven't been back.

 

Most likely you are seeing carpenter bees. These bees are safe to be around and I encourage you to learn more about them and not be afraid. My kids love watching them buzz around...

SIGNS OF CARPENTER BEE INFESTATIONS

You will see round holes and a coarse sawdust-like substance called frass underneath the holes. The holes are perfectly round and are about 3/8 inch in diameter. You may find old holes near the newer ones. Old nests can be used year after year by the carpenter bee. Their holes are usually located on the underside of any wood surface including siding, soffits, overhangs, decks, fence posts, fascia boards and window frames.

Although, they are a wood boring insect, they are not considered a true structural pest. They do not spread through out the entire structure, but prefer unpainted or finished wood.

HABITS
During the spring, the males seek out the females, hovering around females that found some unfinished wood, such as under eaves, railings, etc. The males are territorial and will confront you if you enter their territory, but they are incapable of stinging. Females have a stinger, but are very docile. Females will nest in a all types of wood, but prefer weathered and unpainted wood.
Male carpenter bees tend to be territorial and can buzz around you if you approach closely, sometimes hovering a short distance in front of your face or buzzing around your head. Since males have no stinger, these actions are just for show and intimidation.

 

Carpenter bees are less agressive than wasps, but female bees provisioning their nests will sting, or so I read. There could be nests on the underside of the equipment. I especially noticed them around the stairs of the playset.

 

There are no nests there. Trust me my kids were wondering why I was crawling under all the playground equipment. There are no signs of holes or anything which is why I believe they were just in for the flowering plants all around the area. NO NEST, HIVES, HOLES Etc

Staci

 

Great, thanks Staci!