Gentle and friendly, a bumble bee is a welcome visitor in many Bucks County gardens. Nonetheless, problems may arise when these insects build a nest within or adjacent to a residence or commercial building.
It is not common for bumble bees to nest in structures, but it can happen. Moreover, these insects are sometimes confused with carpenter bees, which cause damage to buildings. When property owners are unsure if they are dealing with bumble bees, carpenter bees, wasps, or another species, it is always best to call a professional pest control company. Experts can properly identify and handle the situation.
Proper identification is critical because control methods vary widely. Wasps are aggressive and capable of multiple stings, while carpenter bees can cause structural damage. Exterminators prioritize eliminating these pests. However, bumble bees are different—they are beneficial pollinators and generally non-aggressive.
Pest management professionals strive to preserve bumble bees. If their nest is too close to a building, relocation is preferred over extermination. Typically, we will recommend contacting a local beekeeper for safe removal and relocation of bumble bees. Bucks County Bee Keepers Association may be able to get you in touch with a beekeeper local to Bucks County.
Correctly identifying bumble bees prevents unnecessary harm. Unfortunately, people often mistake them for less beneficial species.
Most bumble bees are black with yellow stripes, though some have orange or red markings. Their bodies are covered in fuzzy hair, including the abdomen. They range in size from a quarter-inch to an inch long, with queens slightly larger.
On their rear legs, bumble bees have pollen baskets, used by foraging workers to transport food. Females have a pointed abdomen and a stinger, while males lack a stinger and have a rounder abdomen.
Fertile queens emerge in spring to build a new nest. Bumble bees prefer protected, dry nesting sites such as underground cavities, abandoned animal burrows, wood piles, compost heaps, or voids in structures.
The queen collects dry plant material to insulate the nest and builds wax cells for egg-laying. The first hatchlings become worker bees, responsible for foraging, nest expansion, and caring for the young. Bumble bee colonies are smaller than honeybee colonies, usually hosting 50 to 400 members. Nests are abandoned at the end of the season.
Bumble bees feed on pollen and nectar from flowering plants. Pollen provides protein, while nectar supplies sugar for energy.
They produce honey by chewing pollen and mixing it with saliva. This honey nourishes the developing young and the queen.
Unlike carpenter bees, bumble bees do not cause significant structural damage. However, if they nest within a building, their abandoned hive may rot, leading to mold or mildew issues.
Bumble bees are not aggressive compared to wasps and hornets. Only females have stingers, which they use only when threatened. Unlike honeybees, which can sting once, bumble bees can sting multiple times.
While honeybees and bumble bees may spread viruses among themselves, they do not transmit diseases to humans.
A bumble bee sting injects venom, causing local swelling, redness, and itching. Most reactions fade quickly. However, individuals allergic to bee venom may experience anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.
Signs of a bumble bee presence include:
Bumble bees are less likely to nest where:
Newtown Termite & Pest Control understands the importance of bumble bees and honeybees in the local ecosystem. As such, we recommend contacting a local beekeeper for the safe removal of bumble bee nests in Bensalem, PA.
Courtesy: National Pest Management Association
