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Wasp and bee control for commercial premises
Bumble bees (genus Bombus within the family Apidae) are important pollinators found across much of the world, including North America. Known for their fuzzy appearance and low, humming flight, they help flowering plants reproduce. Read on for bumble bee facts which will help you recognize them, learn about their behaviors, and know what to do if they nest nearby.
While they are vital to the environment, bumble bees can sometimes choose nesting sites that cause concern for people and property.
Key characteristics
Appearance
- Fuzzy bodies with black and yellow or orange bands of hair.
- Clear wings and sturdy build.
Life cycle
- Colonies usually have 50–150 bees.
- They have a yearly cycle, except in tropical countries where a supply of flowers all year round provides constant food.
- The queen will establish a nest in spring, producing workers first, then new queens.
- Queens lay eggs while earlier larvae are still developing.
- Most colony members die in late summer; new queens hibernate over winter.
Habits
- They prefer flower-rich habitats in open areas or gardens where they can feed on nectar and gather pollen.
- Nests are found in dry areas, generally made in deserted nests, unkept hedges or under tree roots.
- Females can sting and can do so more than once. Males cannot sting.
- The hairs on the body help to keep them warm. They can maintain a temperature up to 38 degrees.
What do bumble bees look like?
Bumble bees are robust, fuzzy insects with black bodies marked by yellow or orange bands. Females carry a pollen basket (corbicula) on their hind legs, while males do not.
Markings differ among bumble bee species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) and the American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), but compared to honey bees, they are rounder and appear “fluffier.”
Signs of a bumble bee nest
A bumble bee nest is often hidden in sheltered spaces like old rodent burrows, compost piles, or under sheds. You might notice:
- Bees repeatedly entering and leaving one location
- A soft buzzing from the ground or structure
- Bees carrying pollen into a gap or hole
Avoid disturbing the nest yourself. Our pest control experts can assess and handle the situation.
Habitat, diet, life cycle, and behavior
Bumble bees thrive in environments with a steady supply of flowering plants. They need both nectar for energy and pollen to raise their young, so their choice of habitat, feeding habits, and activity patterns are closely linked.
Where do bumble bees live?
Bumble bees favor dry, sheltered nesting sites such as abandoned rodent burrows, thick hedgerows, or under tree roots. In towns and cities, they may adapt to man-made spaces like compost bins or gaps in sheds. Nest sites are chosen based on nearby food sources and protection from weather and predators.
Diet
Bumble bees forage for nectar and pollen from a wide variety of plants, visiting both wildflowers and crops. They are skilled at buzz pollination, vibrating certain flowers to release pollen, which helps plants like tomatoes, peppers, and blueberries produce better yields. Nectar fuels their flight, while pollen is stored and fed to developing larvae in the nest.
Life cycle
Each life cycle begins with the queen bee emerging from hibernation in early spring. She locates a nest site, builds small wax pots, and lays her first eggs. These become worker bees that take over foraging and nest maintenance, allowing the queen to focus on egg-laying. Later in the season, males and new queens are produced. By late summer or early fall, the colony naturally dies off, leaving only the newly mated queens to hibernate through the winter.
Behavior
Bumble bees are generally not aggressive but defend their nest if disturbed. Their dense body hairs help them regulate temperature, allowing them to forage earlier in the morning and later into cooler months than many other bees. They tend to stay close to their nest when foraging, often working the same flowers repeatedly to maximize pollen collection.
Are bumble bees dangerous?
Bumble bees are not usually a threat if left alone, but they will defend their nest if disturbed. Females have a stinger and can sting multiple times without dying, unlike honey bees. Most bumble bee species aren’t aggressive, but near a nest, they may react quickly to danger. If stung, seek advice from a healthcare professional, particularly if you notice swelling or allergic reactions.
Our bee control technicians can help assess any situation involving bumble bee nests near your property.
How to get rid of bumble bees
While it might be tempting to attempt removal yourself, DIY methods are often only a short-term fix and can put you at risk of stings. The most effective approach is to use our professional bee control services.
If we see signs of a bumble bee infestation, we can handle it even in difficult-to-reach locations or high-traffic areas. Our residential pest control and commercial pest control teams use proven methods that help to address the problem while considering the important role bumble bees play as pollinators.
Bumble bee prevention tips
You can lower the risk of bumble bees nesting around your property with some simple measures:
- Seal cracks and holes in sheds, walls, and foundations
- Keep gardens and hedges well-maintained
- Store compost in sealed bins
These steps can reduce the chance of unwanted nesting, but they can’t guarantee prevention. For long-term protection and expert advice on how to prevent bumble bees, our pest control experts provide tailored prevention plans for homes and businesses.
Need help with wasps and bees?
If you’re concerned about bumble bees, wasps, or other bees near your home or workplace, we’re here to help. Our services focus on effective, responsible treatments that help protect your property while supporting environmental responsibility. Contact our team today to find out more about our bee control solutions.
Need help with wasps and bees?
If you’re concerned about bumble bees, wasps, or other bees near your home or workplace, we’re here to help. Our services focus on effective, responsible treatments that help protect your property while supporting environmental responsibility. Contact our team today to find out more about our bee control solutions.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, female bumble bees can sting multiple times, while males cannot. They usually sting only if threatened.
The lifespan of bumble bees varies by role in the colony. Worker bees typically live for a few weeks, while queens can live up to a year. Depending on climate and available food sources, different bumble bee species may have slightly different lifespans.
Bumble bees are not usually aggressive and prefer to focus on foraging. However, they may defend their nest if they feel it is under threat, especially during peak activity in summer.
No. Bumble bees can sting several times because their stinger is smooth and does not get stuck in the skin. This allows them to defend their nest if needed.
Only new queens hibernate through winter, often in sheltered soil or leaf litter. They re-emerge in spring to start new colonies and continue the life cycle.