Bumble Bee

Bumblebees play a vital role in pollination but can sting when provoked. Identifying their nests early helps prevent potential infestations and stings. Explore their behavior, types, habitats, and prevention tips to protect your home while understanding these fascinating insects.
Bumblebees are large, fuzzy insects known for their essential role in pollinating plants. Unlike honeybees, bumblebees are less aggressive but will sting to defend themselves or their nests. Homeowners should care about bumblebees to prevent stings, avoid infestation, and protect their property from potential structural damage caused by nesting.

Identifying Bumblebee Infestations

A bumblebee infestation is uncommon but can occur if they nest near or inside your home. Look out for these common infestation sites:
Garden Shrubs
Garden Shrubs

Bumblebees often nest in thick, low-lying shrubs.

Underground Burrows
Underground Burrows

Old rodent burrows are a common nesting spot.

Sheds & Garages
Sheds & Garages

They may build nests in undisturbed corners.

Wall Cavities
Wall Cavities

Gaps in walls can attract bumblebees seeking shelter.

Attics
Attics

Quiet, warm spaces make ideal habitats for bumblebee colonies.

Common Eastern Bumblebee
Common Eastern Bumblebee

A black-and-yellow bee often found in gardens.

Red-Tailed Bumblebee
Red-Tailed Bumblebee

Recognizable by its red abdomen.

Garden Bumblebee
Garden Bumblebee

Known for its long tongue, ideal for tubular flowers.

White-Tailed Bumblebee
White-Tailed Bumblebee

Features a white tail and yellow body bands.

Bumble Bee Facts
Bumblebees typically nest in natural, sheltered spaces. Common habitats include:

Common Habitats

  • Icon Underground: Burrows or abandoned animal nests.
  • Icon Outdoors: Shrubs, tree hollows, or thick grass.
  • Icon Indoors: Garages, attics, and wall cavities.
Bumblebees are social insects with a structured colony. They exhibit defensive behavior when their nests are threatened.

Lifecycle Stages of Bumblebees

  • Icon
    Queen Emergence: In early spring, queens emerge from hibernation to find a nesting site.
  • Icon
    Nest Establishment: Queens lay eggs and rear the first worker bees.
  • Icon
    Worker Activity: Workers forage for food and expand the nest.
  • Icon
    Mating Season: New queens and males are produced in late summer.
  • Icon
    Hibernation: Fertilized queens hibernate while the rest of the colony dies off.
Social Structure:
  • Queen: Lays eggs and leads the colony.
  • Workers: Collect nectar and protect the nest.
  • Males (Drones): Mate with queens.

Tips to Prevent and Control Bumblebee Infestations

Preventing bumblebee infestations involves proactive measures:

Prevention Tips

  • Icon Seal cracks and crevices in walls.
  • Icon Keep garden shrubs and grass trimmed.
  • Icon Regularly inspect garages and sheds for nests.
  • Icon Avoid leaving food or sugary drinks outdoors.
  • Icon Use natural repellents like peppermint oil.

Related Pests

Similar to Bumblebee, pests like HornetFlies, and Ticks can also invade homes for food and shelter. Explore our Hornet control, Flies control, and Ticks control services to keep all pests out.

Bumble bee FAQs

  • Are bumble bees dangerous to humans?

    Bumble bees are generally non-aggressive and rarely sting unless they feel threatened. However, their sting can be painful, especially for those allergic to bee venom.

  • How can I identify a bumble bee nest?

    Bumble bee nests are often located in hidden spots like abandoned rodent burrows, under sheds, or in compost heaps. They are smaller than honey bee hives and have a loose, unstructured appearance.

  • What attracts bumble bees to my property?

    Bumble bees are attracted to properties with flowering plants, open soil, and shaded areas that provide shelter for nesting.

  • Should I remove a bumble bee nest on my own?

    It’s best to leave bumble bee nest removal to professionals, as attempting to remove it can provoke the bees and increase the risk of being stung.

  • Are bumble bees important to the environment?

    Yes, bumble bees are vital pollinators that play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and supporting agriculture by pollinating crops.

  • How can I keep bumble bees from nesting near my home?

    Seal potential nesting areas like cracks in walls, keep your yard well-maintained, and avoid leaving open soil or debris piles where they can settle.

  • What’s the difference between a bumble bee and a carpenter bee?

    Bumble bees have a fuzzy, rounded body, while carpenter bees are less hairy and have a shiny black abdomen. Carpenter bees are known to drill into wood, whereas bumble bees nest in the ground.

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