This past summer when I was working on a research project in some wastebeds I came across a similar species that had set up colonies in a sandy washout-type area. One week they wern't there and then the next week a massive colony had apeared out of nowhere. They fit the exact description of your insects. We had never seen anything like them. We managed to kill some of them and took a couple bodies to an entomologist at our college. They were identified as Giant Cycada-Killers. Apparently they appear very aggressive if you get near their burrows, but very rarely actually attack animals or humans. This is fortunate, as they look like something out of a horror flick. The first one I saw I actually mistook for a hummingbird- no exaggeration! Google Giant Cycada Killers and see if it matches your insects. If so, you probably don't have a problem. They look fearsome (very much so) but I worked almost all summer amongst their burrows and was never attacked or stung. As far as I can tell, the are essentially harmless except to other insects.

They are bees as a few occassionally fly into the house. We had them checked to make sure they were not africanized. We also observe them through binoculars from time to time to verify their habits and condition of the house as we know it will all have to be replaced. At this point they are not into the attic, although we have had a couple of strays, it is only a matter of time as there is access. I will keep looking for a bee keeper. I just wanted to know, I guess if there would be ones who would take it on reguardless of its size and location, since I am not concerned with the damage on the house as it is being replaced. Thanks for encouragment. Time is drawing to a point where I must make a decision quickly.

I just saw this today. Honey bees are congregating at the bottom of the plant in the soil. My neighbors have a hive. The first time I am seeing this. The plant sits in a mesh encasing the whole flower pot with the plant open on where the bees hang out. I have 2 other similar plants with the mesh enclosure. One above the bee one and the other on the other side of the porch but they only go to that one plant.

Gene.. You might be waiting for a long time to get a swarm in, might get lucky if you're near another bee keeper? I think cpp wanted to say lemon grass oil. Best to get going is to purchase one or two packages, two packages is preferd, then you have something to compare with. Inner cover is more of a colder climate thing but it might be also beneficial to you, it's used also to feed in spring and fall here. You can work the hive somewhat without opening completely, thus making bee keeping more pleasureful. In winter I put insulation on top of inner cover with a empty box. Also, inner cover has a slot for top entrance and ventilation, this entrance is good in winter when bottom gets all snowed in, bees use it for cleansing flight when temperature is above frezzing, bees still need some air flow, coming from bottom and out the top...inner covers are a good thing in our climate. Sugar water will get robed by other bees, it doesn't get you a swarm. You can also hang cardboard boxes up into trees with a bit of old bees wax or comb,.. Google swarm lure. You don't need frames to lure swarms, frames are only good to manage the hive better,...like inspecting, collecting and extracting honey. Konrad