Bumble bees are beneficial insects, acting as exceptional pollinators for wild plants and food crops. Sometimes, these fuzzy insects nest too close to human activity, requiring intervention to encourage them to move. The goal is to manage this situation using non-lethal, safe methods, ensuring the colony can thrive elsewhere while resolving the inconvenience.
Confirming the Species
Correctly identifying the insect is the first step, as many stinging species are mistaken for bumble bees and require different management strategies. True bumble bees have a distinct appearance: a stout, rounded body covered in dense, soft hair, giving them a fuzzy or woolly look. Their coloration typically features bands of black and yellow.
It is important to differentiate them from two common look-alikes. Carpenter bees are similar in size, but their body reveals a smooth, shiny, and hairless black abdomen, contrasting sharply with the bumble bee’s fuzzy appearance. Bumble bees are social insects that establish colonies in pre-existing cavities like abandoned rodent burrows or dense grass clumps. In contrast, carpenter bees are solitary and bore perfectly round holes into bare wood for their young. Yellow jackets are wasps, distinguished by their slimmer body, defined waist, and smooth exterior. Unlike bumble bees, yellow jackets are highly aggressive and build intricate paper nests, often underground or in sheltered voids.
Assessing the Situation and Threat Level
Before taking action, evaluate the nest’s nature and the potential risk it poses. Bumble bee colonies are annual; they start in spring and naturally die off by late summer or early fall, with only newly mated queens surviving to hibernate over winter. If the nest is discovered late in the season, simply leaving it alone for a few weeks may solve the problem without intervention.
Bumble bees are generally docile and only sting if the nest is physically disturbed or they feel directly threatened. The threat increases when the nest is located in a high-traffic area, such as near a doorway, on a deck, or in a frequently mowed lawn where accidental disturbance is likely. Disturbance from vibrations, such as children playing nearby or loud machinery, can quickly provoke a defensive swarm, making relocation a necessary consideration.
Safe Nest Management and Relocation
If a nest presents an unavoidable hazard, non-lethal relocation is the most responsible action, which must be performed carefully and at the right time. The best time to attempt a move is after dark, as bumble bees are inside the nest and do not fly in the dark. This minimizes the chance of being stung and ensures the entire colony is moved. Protective clothing, including gloves and long sleeves, should be worn for safety.
If the nest is in a portable container, such as a birdhouse or garden pot, gently seal the entrance after dark. The entire unit can then be moved to a new, more suitable location. For nests in the ground or an immovable object, use a pre-prepared artificial nesting box lined with soft material like dry grass or moss. Carefully excavate the original nest material by sliding a spade underneath it to lift the structure in one piece, then transfer it into the new box.
The new location should be at least a few miles away to prevent the bees from flying back. Alternatively, it can be placed a short distance away if the bees are expected to reorient themselves the next morning. The entrance to the new nest must be plugged overnight to keep the bees contained, then opened gently at dawn to allow them to reorient to their new surroundings. For large, complex, or difficult-to-access nests, contacting a local beekeeper or wildlife expert is highly recommended for a successful, humane relocation.
Long-Term Deterrence Strategies
Once a colony has been relocated or died off, take steps to prevent a new queen from selecting the same spot the following spring. Habitat modification involves eliminating the conditions that made the location appealing. Bumble bees frequently nest in soft, undisturbed cavities, such as abandoned rodent burrows or under dense debris.
Any holes in the ground, wall voids, or gaps in sheds that served as nest entrances should be permanently filled, sealed, or screened off. This physical exclusion is the most effective long-term solution to prevent future nesting. Removing loose brush and debris that provide soft nesting material also makes the area less attractive.
Strong, non-floral scents can make an area unappealing to a prospecting queen, as bees rely heavily on their sense of smell. Natural deterrents like citrus solutions, ground cinnamon, or essential oils such as peppermint and clove can be applied to the former nesting area. These substances should be applied directly to the site, and repeated applications may be necessary until the next nesting season begins.