Looking after bubblebees for a season

[buildersmate]

A colony of bubblebees has taken up residence this year in one of my (unused) blue-tit boxes. They have virtually blocked up the hole with leaf debris and are busy in and out 'doing stuff', 3 metres from the kitchen window.
I knew nothing about the life and habits of these gentle creatures apart from what I have read here.
http://hercules.users.netlink.co.uk/Bee.html
Has anyone got any particular tips on being their host for a season?

[Rabelais]

They like peace and quiet, but if you really want to help them then allow the grass to grow so they can feed from any clover that grows.

[redman41]

Hi Buildersmate !
Bees and insects are the pollinators of our world and we depend on them for our survival. If you have a garden with plenty of Plants, Flowers and Fruit Trees for them to visit, then you are being a good Host for them to survive and flourish. The more we encourage nature and appreciate what nature does for us, then our world will survive.
Beekeepers are having big problems Worlwide at present as they are losing a lot of stock and Honey Production is suffering. Pesticides are being blamed for the demise of the Honey Bee and the less Gardeners and Farmers use the better for the benefit of all.
If you leave the Bumble Bee nest alone they will not bother you. I would be more concerned if it was a Wasp's nest as that would cause you problems.
Our World needs preserving and we as Humans have a role to play in making sure Nature survives.
Happy Bumbling !!!!!!!

[padanarm]

Bumblebees are fantasic creatures, but I thought they had underground nests?

Anyway, Buglife has got some useful info on identification<a/> and how to look after them.

Somone told me the big supermarkets now sell bumblebee food, so next time you're in Tescos ask one of the assistants.

[padanarm]

Sorry! Those links should be:

Identification

and

Gardening.

[BeatySwalls]

'bubblebees' they sound chewey. can you blow bubbles with them?