Bumblebees in Florida
Bumblebees (genus Bombus) are essential pollinators that play a vital role in Florida’s ecosystem. Larger and fuzzier than honey bees, bumblebees are known for their gentle nature, only stinging when provoked. While generally beneficial, bumblebees can sometimes build nests in inconvenient locations, leading to potential concerns for homeowners. Understanding their behavior and habitat can help determine the best approach to coexisting with these important insects.
Bumblebee Identification: What Do Bumblebees Look Like?
Bumblebees are large and robust insects covered with densely branched setae (hairs). They have short stubby wings and are beneficial as pollinators for many kinds of crops and ornamentals. According to the National Wildlife Federation, their wings beat at least 130 times per second. The beating helps vibrate flowers until they release pollen, which is called buzz pollination. Buzz pollination helps plants produce more fruit.
Struggling with bumblebee identification? Check out our bees, wasps, and hornets identification guide.
Signs of a Bumblebee Infestation
If you spot increased bumblebee activity around your home or garden often, you might have an infestation. This is especially true if you see increased activity near ground-level cavities or structural voids. You might also notice bees around patio stones, piles of compost, or under decking. If their nest is nearby, you may see workers entering and exiting a single location repeatedly throughout the day. Hearing a buzzing sound near walls, attics, or decks could also indicate their presence.
While bumblebees are generally not harmful and are valuable pollinators, a nest in a high-traffic area can be a concern. If removal is necessary, it’s best to consult a professional pest control service.
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Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle and Behaviors
Understanding bumblebees’ nesting habits, diet, lifecycle, and behaviors can help you appreciate their importance and know what to expect if they take up residence near your home.
Where Do Bumblebees Live?
Bumblebee colonies are small, containing a dozen to a few hundred workers. Most bumblebees nest in the ground, using deserted rodent burrows and shallow cavities. This might be beneath patio stones, landscaping timber, piles of compost, and within dense patches of grass. Above ground, they might live in abandoned bird nests and fiberglass-insulated structural voids. This could be in outside walls, patio roofing, and decks.
Diet
Bumblebees feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. Nectar provides them with energy, while pollen is an essential source of protein to feed their larvae. Bumblebees are particularly important for pollinating plants like tomatoes, berries, and peppers. This is because they are able to carry out buzz pollination, a process that helps release pollen from flowers more efficiently.
Life Cycle
A bumblebee colony starts with a single queen in the spring. After emerging from hibernation, the queen builds a small nest and lays her first batch of eggs. These eggs hatch into worker bees, which take over foraging and caring for the colony. The colony grows through the summer, with the queen continuing to lay eggs. By late summer, the colony produces new queens and male bees for mating. After mating, the new queens hibernate, and the rest of the colony, including the old queen, dies off in the fall.
Behaviors
Bumblebees are active pollinators, flying between flowers and plants to gather nectar and pollen. Unlike some other bee species, they are not overly aggressive but will defend their nest if they feel threatened. Bumblebees are also adapted to colder temperatures, allowing them to forage in weather conditions that might deter other insects.
Are Bumblebees Dangerous?
Bumblebees are peaceful insects and only sting when provoked. Most stings happen when their nest is disturbed. Only female bumblebees sting and unlike honey bees, they can sting more than once. Bumblebees can sting multiple times, but they do not form swarms like honey bees. The pain from a bumblebee sting is less painful than a honey bee sting, however, a sting can be dangerous if it occurs on the head or neck, or if an individual is allergic to their venom.
If you notice bumblebee activity, you should avoid disturbing the nest. Because bumblebees will sting when threatened, homeowners are advised to seek out a professional bee removal service rather than try to address the infestation themselves.
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How To Get Rid Of Bumblebees
Bumblebees often nest in ground cavities, abandoned rodent burrows, or structural voids such as soffits and wall gaps, so a professional inspection is crucial for determining whether removal is necessary. While bumblebees are usually docile, they may defend their nest aggressively if disturbed, which is why licensed experts can best evaluate the risks and employ the safest, most humane approach—relocating colonies whenever possible or removing them if absolutely required. Trained pest control professionals like Florida Pest Control can help safeguard both your household and these vital pollinators.
Bumblebee Prevention Tips
To prevent bumblebee infestations, seal all cracks and openings in your home, especially around windows, doors, and siding. Remove piles of debris, compost, and unused wood where bumblebees might build nests. Keep landscaping well-trimmed and avoid leaving areas of tall grass or dense vegetation unattended.
Need Help With Bees, Wasps or Hornets?
If you’re dealing with bumblebees or any other stinging insects near your home or property, Florida Pest Control is here to help. Our team of experienced exterminators specializes in safe and effective bee removal services, ensuring the safety of your family and home. Contact us today for a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bumblebees have stingers?
Yes, female bumblebees have stingers and will use them to defend themselves or their nest. Unlike honey bees, they can sting multiple times without dying.
Do bumblebees make honey?
Yes, bumblebees make honey, but only in small amounts. They produce just enough to sustain their colony, unlike honey bees which store large quantities for winter survival.
Do bumblebees have hives?
Bumblebees don’t have traditional hives like honey bees. Instead, they build small nests, often in the ground, abandoned rodent burrows, or cavities in structures.
How many legs does a bumble bee have?
Bumblebees have six legs, like all insects. These legs help them collect pollen and navigate their surroundings.
Do bumblebees die when they sting?
No, bumblebees do not die after they sting. Their stingers are smooth, allowing them to sting multiple times without harm to themselves.
