Bumblebees, members of the genus Bombus, are recognized as highly effective pollinators, playing a significant role in the reproduction of many wild plants and agricultural crops. Their robust, fuzzy bodies make them particularly good at carrying pollen, and they are capable of a unique technique called buzz pollination, which is required by certain plants like tomatoes. Finding a bumblebee nest is often a matter of curiosity or a necessary step to ensure the colony is not accidentally disturbed, which is important for their conservation.
Identifying Prime Nesting Locations
Bumblebee queens do not excavate their own nesting sites. Instead, they seek out existing cavities that provide a dry, enclosed, and insulated environment. One of the most common locations is an abandoned rodent burrow, which provides a ready-made underground space with insulating material like grass and fur left behind by the previous occupant. These subterranean nests are often indicated by a small, inconspicuous hole in the ground, sometimes located under a shed or dense vegetation.
Above-ground nesting sites are also frequently utilized, particularly by certain species like the Tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum). These locations can include dense grass tussocks, thick moss, or compost heaps that generate warmth, as well as man-made structures. Queens may settle in sheltered voids like unused birdhouses, wall cavities, or the spaces beneath deck stairs. All sites require a lack of direct sunlight and protection from wet conditions, both of which are detrimental to the developing colony.
Tracking Flight Paths to the Nest
Pinpointing the exact location of a nest requires careful, patient observation during peak foraging hours, typically mid-day when the weather is warm and sunny. Workers returning to the nest move along highly efficient, straight routes, often referred to as ‘bee lines.’ These flights are generally low to the ground and significantly faster than the meandering paths of bees searching for flowers.
To track a nest, watch a bee loaded with pollen until it disappears from view, then move closer and repeat the process. The most telling sign of a nest is a consistent stream of bees entering and exiting a specific hole or small opening. When a new worker bee takes its first flight, it performs a characteristic “learning flight,” flying in a pattern that faces the nest entrance to memorize the visual landmarks it will use for navigation.
Distinguishing Bumblebee Nests from Other Species
Accurate identification of the insect and its nest structure is important for safety and conservation, as bumblebees are frequently confused with wasps or other bees. Bumblebees are recognizable by their rounded, robust bodies, which are covered in dense, soft hair, giving them a fuzzy appearance. This contrasts with yellow jackets and other wasps, which have sleek, less hairy bodies and a noticeable, narrow “waist” where the thorax meets the abdomen.
The nest itself offers a distinct difference. Bumblebee nests are small, annual colonies that are not organized into the precise, hexagonal wax combs of honeybees. Instead, they feature a messy cluster of wax cells or pots used for storing nectar, pollen, and raising young. Yellow jackets construct subterranean or aerial nests made of a paper-mâché material derived from chewed wood fibers. Bumblebees are generally docile and will only sting if the nest is physically disturbed, while yellow jackets are significantly more aggressive and may sting multiple times without provocation.
Actions After Discovery
Once a bumblebee nest has been located, the most responsible course of action is to leave it undisturbed, allowing the colony to complete its natural life cycle. Bumblebee colonies are temporary, lasting only a single season, and will naturally die out by late summer or early autumn. These insects do not cause structural damage to buildings and pose little threat if left alone.
It is helpful to establish a small safety perimeter around the nest entrance, ensuring that children and pets do not interfere with the bees’ activities. Avoid mowing or using loud equipment near the entrance, as vibrations can agitate the colony and cause a defensive reaction. If the nest is in an unavoidable location, such as a high-traffic doorway, relocation is technically possible but should only be attempted by a professional entomologist or beekeeper, as it carries a high risk of failure and harm to the colony.