swarm-list Mailing List: Bumblebees in Berkeley in a water meter box

[Gerald Przybylski (gtp000000]

    If you're in the neighborhood of 2216 Jefferson, and are curious,
    contact Mark (510) 517-0376\
    
    They say the EBMUD meter reader offered to poison them out, but he
    said "No, please, don't."
    
    My understanding is that bumblebees brood up and build up until
    forage dwindles..
    Then they make queens and the nest is abandoned.   That might be
    soon because the bumbles
    have been there for a couple of months already.  
    
    I understand that as the season ends, the nests become increasingly
    disheveled and disorganized. 
    It's likely to be impossible to relocate. 
    
    You may be able to help the meter reader with getting the reading
    without getting stung.