Bumble Bees (6523)

Bumblebees are ¼ to 1 inch long, robust, black and yellow in color, and fuzzy. They are social insects and live in colonies. They usually nest in an underground cavity or in a clump of grass. They feed on nectar and pollen and are considered beneficial. They can sting over and over, because they do not loose their stingers like honeybees do. If a bumble bee nest is located in an area where the bees are in close contact with people, control may be needed. Locate the nest during the day and treat at night. Do not shine a flashlight directly on the nest, and wear a bee veil if possible for protection. Use an appropriately labeled insecticide. Dusts work best when applied to an area about 6 inches around the nest entrance. If the nest is in a structure, use a dust or aerosol, but do not seal the entrance.

For more information, please visit this MAAREC publication. (Mid-Atlantic Apicultural Reserch & Consortium)

Penn State Entomology Dept.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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