Bumble Bees

Bumble bees are just one of several types of bees that live in and around Texas homes. Bumble bees and their relatives, the carpenter bees, are the relatively large ( I 5-25mm-long), robust bees covered with numerous hairs. The bodies of these bees are black; however yellow hairs on the body and abdomen often impart a banded pattern. Approximately 50 species of bumble bees live in North America, most of which are important pollinators of flowers and considered beneficial.

Carpenter bees are similar in appearance to bumble bees, but lack hairs on the top surface of the abdomen. These bees sometimes destroy or damage wooden decks, patios and other structures due to their habit of boring nest holes in soft wood.

Bumble bees are social insects and generally make nests underground. Nests consist of a series of more-or-less spherical, waxen cells some of which hold the eggs and young and some of which serve as storage recepticles for honey and pollen. Nesting sites may be depressions in the ground, deserted mouse nests, hollow logs, cavities in rotten stumps, railroad tie retaining walls, or even piles of grass, weeds or rubbish. Bumblebee colonies are smaller than those of honey bees or yellowjackets, usually reaching a size of only a few hundred individuals. Colony sizes increase throughout the summer, until the advent of cool weather. At this time most of the bees die, with only one or a few queens surviving the winter in sheltered locations.

Bumble bees pose problems when they make nests near places frequented by people. In addition, and despite their generally docile nature, the activities of bumble bees can be alarming to some, especially people with allergies to insect stings. Although not as much a threat to people as yellowjackets or honey bees, bumble bees can and will sting in defense of their nest. Bees rarely sting while on pollen gathering trips to flowers, and generally prefer to avoid confrontations. Unlike honey bees, who have a barbed stinger which remains in the skin, bumble bees can sting repeatedly.

Control. Insecticide sprays should never be applied to flowers as this is ineffective and can harm other beneficial insects. The most effective control is to locate and treat the nest, a job best accomplished at night when all bees are in the colony. A small amount of insecticide dust, such as Sevin or other appropriately labeled product, should be applied to the mouth of the nest. Treatments are most effective if blown into the nest using a dusting machine or bellows-type applicator. Aerosol or liquid insecticide sprays labeled for bee and wasp control can also be used, especially when nests have been dug up or exposed. Persons with allergies to bees or wasps should avoid attempting to treat bee nests, as there is always a chance of getting stung during treatment. Another option is to contact a professional pest control company for nest extermination.