Gardens and Wildlife

I´m glad im not the only one trying to work out what these flies are been driving me mad lol.

I think they´re honey bees Ed. There always seems to be at least 2 of them. There was 2 in my kitchen the other day and they didn´t seem that keen to leave. I got one to crawl onto a jug and stuck it out the window but still it wouldn´t fly off. I´ve also had a bumble bee fly in but he at least did fly straight out again.

Jacqui - there are many different types of bees - are they honey bees (brown and black stripes) bumble bees (fuzzy and furry) or solitary bees (all sorts of shapes and sizes)?

Yes Charlotte. I´m having trouble with those flies too. They´re jet black and seem to have long legs that hang down. They do look like flying ants but wondered if they were a type of horse fly. i´ve actually been googling to see if i could id them but no joy as yet. The other day whilst out dog-walking, I had to make a conscious effort to keep my mouth shut and breathe thru my nose otherwise would´ve ended up eating them...yuck!

I have seen a few about also some strange flies that i havent seen before almost resemble a flying ant but they are jet black.

I have noticed lots of bees this year and have already had to guide quite a few back outside from my house. Just wondering if anybody else has noticed more bees.

Pea - As a beekeeper I will check out the Natural Beekeeping Trust - they look very interesting.

Bee Crisis: The Natural Beekeeping Trust has lots to offer anyone interested in keeping bees or in general concerning bees.