I've got a bumblebee that's buzzed into my kitchen through the Velux roof window. It's been stuck there for hours, and I can't open that window. I've left everything else open for it to fly out, but it's obviously confused by the glass. Last year, I lost a bee trying to escape this way, so I'm looking for ways to help it out without hurting it. Any tips?
3 Answers
I face the same problem with my skylights! They’re a trap for all sorts of flying bugs. I've had success just wafting them down with a tea towel. It feels a bit like bullfighting at times, and I’ve dodged a sting or two, but I usually get them outside unharmed after a bit of maneuvering.
You might want to try the old cup and paper trick, just like you'd do for spiders. Bees are usually a bit more clever than house flies; they won't keep banging against the glass for hours like a fly would. Instead, they usually figure out a way to escape if they feel a breeze or see an opening.
Why not grab a cheap kid's fishing net? They work wonders for gently catching the bee without harming it, and it's pretty easy to get it out once you've caught it.
Haha, I can imagine the bullfight vibe! But it sounds like a good technique to get them out safely.