Bumble bees are prominent pollinators, playing a role in the reproduction of numerous flowering plants, including many crops. These fuzzy insects, recognized by their robust bodies and characteristic buzzing, are social creatures living in colonies. Each spring, a queen bee emerges from hibernation to establish a new nest, where she will lay eggs and begin the cycle of a new colony. Understanding their nesting habits provides insight into their life cycle and how they contribute to ecosystems.
Common Nesting Locations
Bumble bees seek out existing cavities for their nests rather than constructing elaborate structures. Many species prefer underground locations, often utilizing abandoned rodent burrows like those of mice or voles. Nests can also be found directly within the soil, in compost heaps, or under sheds with ground-level openings.
On the ground surface, bumble bees nest in dense grass tussocks, thick moss, or under natural debris. Piles of leaves or lumber, and spaces beneath logs or stones, provide suitable cover. These surface nests often blend seamlessly with the environment, making them less obvious.
Some bumble bee species also nest above ground, though this is less common. These locations include unoccupied bird boxes, wall cavities in buildings, or hollows of trees. Nests are occasionally found in insulation or the cotton batting of old furniture.
What Makes a Good Nest Site
Bumble bee queens select nest sites based on environmental factors that support colony success. A primary requirement is adequate protection from predators, harsh weather, and direct sunlight. Sites that avoid waterlogging are also favored, ensuring the nest remains dry and stable.
Insulation is important for maintaining a consistent temperature within the nest. Queens often choose locations that already contain insulating materials like moss, dry grass, or fur from old burrows. This helps regulate the nest’s temperature, which is important for the development of eggs and larvae.
Accessibility is also considered, with queens seeking a single, easily defensible entrance and exit point. Proximity to abundant nectar and pollen sources is another factor, as the queen and later her worker offspring must forage to sustain the growing colony.
How to Identify a Nest
Identifying a bumble bee nest often involves observing specific behaviors rather than spotting an obvious structure. The most reliable sign is seeing bumble bees repeatedly entering and exiting a particular hole or crevice. This consistent “traffic” indicates an active nest.
Bumble bees are distinct from other bees due to their large, fuzzy, and often black and yellow striped bodies. Observing bees with pollen baskets on their hind legs, visible as small, colored balls of pollen, is another indicator, as they are carrying resources back to the nest. The nest entrance might appear as a small hole in the ground, under a shed, or within a dense patch of vegetation.