Bumblebees are recognizable by their fuzzy, robust bodies and are among the most important pollinators. Their gentle nature means they are rarely aggressive, only stinging if their nest is directly disturbed or they are physically threatened. This guide focuses on humane, non-lethal methods to discourage them from high-traffic areas, promoting safe coexistence rather than eradication.
Identifying the Difference Between Bumblebees and Pests
Mistaking a territorial pest for a docile bumblebee can lead to unnecessary actions against a helpful pollinator. Bumblebees have a distinctly round, fuzzy appearance, often described as plump, with the hair helping them collect pollen. They fly slowly and deliberately, focusing their activity on flowers to gather nectar and pollen.
In contrast, common pests like yellow jackets and hornets are types of wasps that have smooth, shiny bodies with a more slender, narrow waist. Yellow jackets feature bright, high-contrast yellow and black stripes and fly quickly with a darting motion. Their behavior is also markedly different, as they are scavengers attracted to human food, drinks, and garbage, which often makes them more aggressive near patios and outdoor dining areas. Bumblebees are herbivores only interested in floral sources and will generally ignore people unless they are near their nest.
Humane Strategies for Deterrence
The most effective way to discourage bumblebees from specific areas involves disrupting their navigational cues and removing common attractants. Bumblebees rely heavily on both visual and scent marks to navigate and locate their nest entrance. Using scent-based deterrents can interfere with this homing process, gently guiding them elsewhere.
Scent-based deterrence utilizes strong, non-toxic odors that bumblebees find unpleasant. Applying or planting herbs with potent aromas, such as peppermint, basil, or mint, near entryways or decks can help keep them at a distance. Essential oils, like lemongrass or peppermint oil, can be mixed with water and lightly sprayed on non-porous surfaces, as the strong concentration can temporarily mask familiar environmental scents.
Visual and landscape modifications can also limit their presence near your home. Bumblebees are particularly attracted to flowers in the blue and violet color spectrum, as these often contain abundant nectar. Removing or relocating highly attractive flowering plants from planter boxes adjacent to doorways or windows can reduce traffic in those spots.
Sealing potential nesting sites prevents them from settling in inconvenient locations. Bumblebees often nest in pre-existing cavities, such as abandoned rodent burrows, small voids under sheds, or piles of debris. Clearing leaf piles, sealing cracks in foundations, and filling in small ground holes can eliminate suitable nesting opportunities near living spaces.
Safe Management of Existing Nests
Finding an established nest near a high-traffic area requires a cautious and hands-off approach to ensure the bees’ safety. Bumblebee colonies are seasonal, lasting only one summer, with the entire colony dying off by late autumn except for new queens that hibernate. If the nest is in an out-of-the-way location, the simplest solution is often to leave it alone until the season ends.
If a nest must be managed due to its immediate proximity to human activity, never block the entrance or spray the nest with any substance. This can trap or harm the bees and make the colony defensive. A safer, non-lethal option is attempting to re-route the entrance using a long piece of tubing, like a sink waste pipe, attached securely to the existing nest opening. This redirects the flight path away from the problematic area, though it requires the bees to reorient to the new exit location.
For nests in immovable objects or wall voids, contacting a local beekeeper or a humane pest control specialist is the best course of action. These professionals often have experience with live bee relocation and can move the nest to a more suitable, distant location. If a relocation is necessary, it is typically performed at night when all the bees are inside the nest and docile, using a flashlight covered with a red filter, as bumblebees cannot see red light.