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Aug 14, 2023 · Learn about the nesting habits of bumblebees and find out where they build their nests. Discover how to locate and protect bumblebee nests, and understand their lifecycles.
Bumblebee nest boxes, where to put a bumblebee nest box for different species, and how to provide natural nesting sites
Because they look so similar to bees, it’s a common misconception (or assumption) that bumblebees live in beehives, but it doesn’t. Bumblebee nests are very different from beehives, and understanding them can help bumblebees fight extinction.
May 20, 2021 · Most bumble bees nest in hives in underground holes made by larger animals, while some nest above ground in abandoned bird nests, grass tussocks or cavities such as hollow logs or spaces beneath rocks. In gardens, they may also use compost piles or unoccupied birdhouses. Protect hibernation habitat.
Some of the common places where bumblebees choose to make their nests include rodent burrows, piles of leaves or lumber, tall grass, birds nests, and even the gaps behind the siding. While most species select a location that’s close to the ground, some bumblebees find a satisfactory home in the hollow of a tree or other high, lofty spots.
Bumblebees have a fascinating lifecycle. During spring and summer, they are social creatures, living in a nest created by a queen to raise her offspring with the help of her smaller worker daughters. Then, during winter, only the queens survive by hibernating alone, usually underground.
Bumble bees have annual nests that usually contain 300 to 500 individuals. Worker bees develop first, followed by males and new queens toward the end of summer. In the fall, worker bees, males, and the old queen die.
