Another reason for CLOSED CABS.

caver · Mar 1, 2020

I was stung three times mowing about two years ago by some yellowjackets. Then I discovered they set up shop in my extend-a-boom. So late last summer and thankful I have a cab on the backhoe as it protected me. Unfortunately the A/C needs some work so was sweating until I saw where the nest was and blasted 'em.

Steppenwolfe · Mar 1, 2020

WOW! Glad you are OK. We have ground bee's here and yellow jackets. I have driven over both bush hogging, but they have never seemed to be too concerned with me while on sitting on the tractor. Sounds like you have a problem to get rid of. Good luck and be careful.

radios1 · Mar 1, 2020

there's a good bit of info on identification here. honey bees in ground - Google Search

TMGT · Mar 1, 2020

I hit an underground yellow jacket next a couple years ago while bushhogging some woods on an open station tractor. Of course it happened while maneuvering between some tight trees, took a couple hits before I realized what was happening and had to bail.

Tractor and bushhog were still running while I drove back to my house and got a bunch of extra clothing so I could retrieve the tractor. Maneuvered out from the trees, put it in high range and high tailed it out of there, they chased me for quite some time.

Took about 5 plus hits before I was able to get out the first time, if they sting me the second time I would know, had about 3 layers of clothes on in the middle of summer!

3930dave · Mar 1, 2020

Cat_Driver said:
Just some advice for the guys that are on the fence when it comes to cabs. I have to give kudos to the guys I see on youtube in an open can late at night plowing the snow of snow blowing the snow in freezing temps with a high windchill. I don't know how you guys do that.

I'd say Buy a Lottery Ticket Cat, but you've already had your Win !

I'd rather plow snow all day long open-station than deal with what you and other guys here have hit for nests. At least you can thaw out once in a while, and be back to normal. Stings in that quantity :shocked: , even if you aren't allergic, Yikes.

Heated cabs are appreciated up here, but if you don't got...... Layer up with skidoo gear, and have at it !

Rgds, D.

Threepoint · Mar 1, 2020

Cat_Driver, glad you're o.k.!

I'd sure try to have the bees identified by an expert before making a decision to destroy them. Pls. keep us posted!

BTW, I'm with you on cabs. :thumbsup:

EddieWalker · Mar 1, 2020

No cab, but I sure want one.

One time I was cleaning up an area with my bucket flat on the ground and I was pushing it forward to pick up, or scoop, whatever went into the bucket. When it was full, I backed up and saw a swarm come out of the ground. Not sure exactly what type of bee or wasp they where, but they attacked the bucket with a vengeance!!! I turned off the engine, jumped out and quickly ran away. I came back a few hours later and there was no sign of them.

I've been stung a few times while bush hogging, but I've never seen anything like that since then. I can only guess that I would have been stung a hundred times if they had understood that it was the driver that caused the problem, and not the bucket!!!!

Cat_Driver · Mar 2, 2020

I went back over today and they are definitely bees and they made their hive in an old antique gas alk behind trencher that I didn't know was there until I hit it with the grapple.

I'll get a picture of where on the machinery they built their nest on this old, filthy, greasy hunk of steel.

Threepoint · Mar 2, 2020

Cat_Driver said:
I went back over today and they are definitely bees and they made their hive in an old antique gas alk behind trencher that I didn't know was there until I hit it with the grapple.

I'll get a picture of where on the machinery they built their nest on this old, filthy, greasy hunk of steel.

Cool! Whatever yours are, they're pollinators, and likely welcomed by the large ag community in the Coachella Valley.

Especially since honey bees seem to be rapidly disappearing worldwide due to the Varroa Mite. There's a guy in Palm Desert called the Bee Whisperer who specializes in relocating bee hives, including the "Killer Bees". Here's a link to his Facebook Page: The Bee Whisperer - Home | Facebook

Also, just from a quick check online it looks like there may be several other bee removal and relocation services in your area.