Just sitting happily watching tele (great British bake off if anyone needs to know) when a huge bumble bee flew out of the tortoise table and towards the light. Mush panic ensued as said beast terrorised me with his stinger, I hid behind the sofa and the hubby flapped wildly at it trying to be my hero and catch the offending bumble bee!

Throughout all this amaryllis held his usual self assured composure, right until the bumble bee made a dive for him and landed on his shell! I was shouting (from the relative safety of the hall at this point, thank god I had the foresight to fit glazed doors so I could still see what was happening and offer un helpful screams!) the hubby was flapping not only at the bee but as amaryllis was in the way at him too!

The bee has finally been successfully escorted off the premises and I've inspected amaryllis for any signs of being stung - which there isn't!

Close eye will be kept for a few hours. Any one else had this sort of thing happen ?

Ha Ha Clare. That was so funny. I can just imagine you flapping and flayling your arms everywhere. So glad you and amarylis oh and hubby are all ok and the intruder was escorted safely away.

Gail
xx

haha im sure we have had a bumble bee in the house before.just cant remember that sort of scenario unfolding. must remember your system for removing them though.so do you flap one arm or both.

These photos may be a bit shocking Clare.









This is Bumble Bee rescue after a cold wet day, most have a quick warm up under the heat lamp, get dry and then fly off.
Sometimes I have to give them a little watered down Honey to help them get their strength back.

OMG Matt,
I would of had an heart attack if I seen those on my tortoises... I'd of panicked,

you'd of seen me running around like a headless chicken, flapping my arms...

Is that Ibera you keep?? Beautiful looking tortoise

Thanks Julia,

Yes that is my ibera Dotty, my one and only. 
 I actually collect the the little cold Wet Bumble Bees from Thistle flowers and give them a warm up before it gets dark. Other wise they would spend all night cold and wet clinging to the underside of the flower.
I do actually place them on her back under her heat lamp and when they are ready they just fly off back home. (hopefully) 

Great story Clare.

Awwww Matt, that really is so nice of you to do that for the bees.. Do you take a keen interest in them ?

Dotty is really sweet she's bee utiful

AAAAh Matt. You are so kind. That is a lovely thing to do. And Dotty is gorgeous.

Gail
xx

Thanks Gail,

I can't help it, if I see one soggy bee in the evening, I have to go round the garden and see if there are any more. It is amazing how a little infra-red heat brings them back to life and Dotty is very happy to help out. 

 
I  kept Honey Bee's for a few years, Julia. (2 hives). You could say my only interest was watching them go in and out when I had the time, as I can't stand Honey . They make very interesting pets, worker bees, guard bees, fan bees, drones etc. 
 I gave them to a fellow bee keeper many years ago (more like a permanent loan really) after I found my first varroa mites , he was better equipped to treat them. 
I do find all bees fascinating and with the decline of our poor old bumble bee I sleep better for helping a few out.