Bee hive or just attracted to tree?

[smiffy180]

There's about 30 or so bees currently flying around this tree in the back garden.
There was 15 on our 17 month old who was batting them off and last thing we want is for her to get stung and worst case be allergic.
Does anyone know if we have a potential bee hive or if it's the type of tree based on the following photo?

I'm assuming if bee hive we phone a bee keeper to take away?
And if it's the tree, chop it or put up with it?
TIA.

[kowalski655]

I was just going to post something similar, we have a different kind of tree,flowers look a bit like fuchsias, the whole tree is buzzing. Its actually quite spooky
I have no problem with bees but the females in the family will freak, and we also have a baby to protect (16 months here)
So I too wonder if its a nest,or if the tree attracted the bees, like crack cocaine, and if the former, how to move it

[smiffy180]

kowalski655 said:

I was just going to post something similar, we have a different kind of tree,flowers look a bit like fuchsias, the whole tree is buzzing. Its actually quite spooky
I have no problem with bees but the females in the family will freak, and we also have a baby to protect (16 months here)
So I too wonder if its a nest,or if the tree attracted the bees, like crack cocaine, and if the former, how to move it

Hah! Hopefully someone comes along with an answer!

I believe I saw in one of my local selling groups a question asked about removal of a bees nest and a few bee keepers piped up offering to move it for free

[Nimby]

It's not a swarm. They may be collecting honeydew off aphids.

[smiffy180]

Nimby said:

It's not a swarm. They may be collecting honeydew off aphids.

Thanks

[daved]

If it's a honey bee swarm you won't need to ask what it is as you'll know. There'll be thousands of bees, mostly together in a big ball, clinging to a branch. They're not nasty and they're unlikely to go for you as they've just had a large meal and they get like we do after a big Sunday lunch. Plus, they've no brood or stores to worry about so their only concern is sticking with the queen and finding a new home. A swarm will stay a day or two at most before moving on to a new home. If they set up home in a hollow in the tree you could phone a local beekeeper and they'll come along and try to move them. A new colony isn't cheap to buy so you should have no trouble finding a taker. If you can live with it they're usually no trouble, provided you don't bother them. Unlike wasps, who'll sting you for fun.

[kowalski655]

My lot seem to be after the nectar in the flowers so hopefully they will be on their way soon. Can't see a huge ball of bees,but the tree is very thick, so if they are making themselves at home then it will need to be moved on, 'cause as I said,the women will freak...which is a shame. ,