BUMBLE BEES are large insects measuring 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) in length. They have hairy bodies that are bulging and round, with yellow and black bands of colour on the thorax and abdomen.

 

The bumble bee is the most common type of bee, with 250 species found around the world. Bumble bees are essential to our ecosystem in that they pollinate plants as they travel around feeding on nectar.

 

They like to build their nests in dry, dark places and the colony can number 100 or more. You may find bumble bee nests in abandoned animal burrows, ceilings and walls of basements, compost piles, abandoned cushions, and under interlocking bricks and concrete slabs of walkways and sidewalks. And colony locations may be used again year over year.

 

The bumble bee colony will defend the nest if they feel threatened with painful stings, but they are not as aggressive as hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets. Bumble bees can only sting once before their stinger falls off, after which they generally die.

 

These buzzing insects have many natural predators, including birds, large insects, and frogs.

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FAST FACTS: BUMBLE BEES

• You can identify a bumble bee by its black and yellow hair.

• They can grow as large as 1.5 in. (3.8 cm).

• Prefer dry, dark places to build their nests.

• A bumble bee sting is very painful.

 

WHAT'S MY NEXT STEP?

A bumble bee sting is very painful and if you get to close to a nest, multiple stings (from multiple bees) are possible. To get bumble bees or other stinging insects away from your home or business, contact Busch Brothers Beekeeping / WNY Bee Removal today!  We will safely and effectively remove them.

 

We serve all of Western New York and surrounding areas.

 

We are available to respond to all your stinging insect problems.