Bumble bees are large, fuzzy-bodied insects recognized by their deep, distinct buzz and slow, deliberate flight patterns. They are among the most important pollinators in many ecosystems, playing a significant role in the production of crops and wild flowering plants. While their presence is beneficial, bumble bees sometimes choose inconvenient locations to forage or nest, leading to concern when they are frequently flying around a specific area. The goal is to offer safe, non-lethal methods to encourage these valuable insects to move elsewhere.
Distinguishing Bumble Bees From Other Wasps and Bees
Correctly identifying the insect is the first step, as many people confuse bumble bees with more aggressive species like yellowjackets. Bumble bees are notably rounder and covered in dense, soft hair, giving them a distinctly fuzzy appearance. Their bodies are robust and lack the thin, pinched waist characteristic of most wasps, which are generally smooth and slender. Yellowjackets, by contrast, are bright yellow and black with sleeker, more streamlined bodies and are often drawn to human food and trash. Bumble bees are primarily focused on flowers and nectar, only stinging in defense of their nest or if physically provoked.
Immediate Non-Lethal Deterrence Methods
When bumble bees are actively foraging in a specific area, such as a patio or near a picnic table, temporary scent-based deterrents can encourage them to move along. Bees possess an extremely sensitive sense of smell, which can be disrupted by certain strong odors. Peppermint oil is an effective repellent; a solution mixed with water can be misted around the nuisance area. Other strong aromas, such as clove, citronella, or eucalyptus oil, can be used similarly or placed on cotton balls near the edges of the space you want them to avoid. These scents create an unpleasant environment, prompting the bees to forage elsewhere without causing them harm. Physical barriers, such as netting placed over food during outdoor dining, can also eliminate the attraction, and immediately cleaning up spills of sugary drinks or exposed fruit is helpful.
Addressing Nearby Nests
A high volume of consistent bee activity is often a sign of a nearby nest, which bumble bees typically establish in existing cavities rather than chewing into wood or structures. Common nesting sites include abandoned rodent burrows in the ground, under thick clumps of grass, or in insulated spaces like old birdhouses or compost piles. Observing a continuous stream of bees entering and exiting a single, localized opening confirms the presence of a colony.
Bumble bee colonies are annual, meaning the nest is only active for one season, from spring until late summer or early fall. The entire colony, except for the newly mated queens, will naturally die off before winter, and the nest site is rarely used again the following year. If the nest location poses no immediate danger, the safest solution is to leave the colony alone to complete its life cycle.
If the nest is in a high-traffic area, contact a professional bee relocation specialist who can safely move the entire colony. Relocation should be attempted after dark when the majority of the worker bees have returned to the nest and are less active. Professionals may use a red light, which bees cannot see, to minimize disturbance. Attempting to destroy the nest with chemical treatments or by blocking the entrance is strongly discouraged, as this can agitate the bees and provoke defensive stinging.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies
To discourage future nesting, focus on modifying the environment to eliminate potential entry points and cavities before the next spring season. Since new queens often seek out existing, insulated spaces for their colonies, fill in any abandoned ground holes, such as old rodent burrows, in the fall. Sealing cracks in foundations, sheds, and other structures can also prevent queens from establishing a nest in an inconvenient location. Keep the yard clear of potential nesting material, such as piles of debris, long grass clippings, or exposed insulation. Blocking accessible entry points in the late fall, combined with maintaining a thick lawn and applying mulch, reduces the chances of a new queen finding a suitable nesting site the following spring.