The Bumble Bee Guide For Homes and Businesses In Bristol & Bath

Bumble bees are vital pollinators, bringing life to gardens across Bristol and Bath. Their fuzzy appearance and gentle hum are always welcome, but finding a bumble bee nest in your garden can raise questions.

Should you leave it alone or take action?

This guide, tailored for homeowners in Bristol and Bath, explains how to safely manage bumble bee nests, ensuring the safety of both you and these essential insects. From understanding their behaviour to knowing when to call professionals, Pale Horse Pest Control is here to help you maintain a harmonious garden.

Why Bumble Bees Nest in Gardens

Bumble bees are drawn to gardens for their abundance of nectar-rich flowers and sheltered nesting sites. In Bristol’s vibrant neighbourhoods, like Redland or Bath’s historic areas like Lansdown, gardens provide perfect conditions.

Compost heaps, bird boxes, and undisturbed soil patches offer cosy homes for bumble bee colonies. The region’s mild spring climate encourages early nesting from March to June, making spring a peak time for nest discovery, as noted by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

The tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum), which arrived in the UK in 2001, often nests above ground in bird boxes or roof spaces, bringing it closer to human activity compared to other species that prefer underground sites.

Identifying Bumble Bee Nests

Bumble bee nests can be found in various locations:

• Underground: Abandoned rodent burrows or beneath leaf piles.
• Above Ground: Dense grass, compost heaps, or bird boxes (especially for tree bumblebees.
• Structures: Under sheds, in wall cavities, or roof spaces.

You might notice a steady stream of bees entering and exiting a specific spot, a clear sign of a nest. In Bristol and Bath, where gardens often feature old stone walls or rustic sheds, these locations are particularly appealing.

Tree bumblebee nests are particularly noticeable due to a distinctive behaviour where large numbers of male bees patrol the nest entrance. While this can seem intimidating, males cannot sting and pose no threat.

Safety Considerations

Bumble bees, including tree bumblebees, are generally docile and sting only when threatened, unlike more aggressive wasps. According to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, they can sting multiple times but are unlikely to do so unless the nest is disturbed or you make sudden movements.

Tree bumblebees may nest in high-traffic areas, such as near doorways or windows, which may increase the chance of accidental disturbance, potentially leading to defensive stings from worker bees.

Safe Management Tips

The best approach is to leave bumble bee nests undisturbed, as their colonies are annual and naturally die out by autumn, as explained by Buglife. If the nest is in a low-traffic area, simply monitor it without interference. For tree bumblebee nests in bird boxes or roof spaces, observe from a distance to avoid provoking workers. To coexist:

• Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers: Native plants like lavender or foxgloves, common in Bristol and Bath gardens, support bumble bees without drawing them closer to high-traffic areas.
• Avoid Pesticides: Chemicals can harm bumble bees, disrupting pollination in your garden.
• Provide Shelter: Leave some areas of your garden wild to offer natural nesting sites.
• 
  

If the nest is in a problematic location, such as near a pathway, relocation may be necessary. Relocating or controlling a nest is complex and risky, requiring expertise to avoid harming the bees or yourself. In the UK, while bumble bees are not legally protected, conservation groups like the Bumblebee Conservation Trust recommend professional assistance to ensure ethical handling.

Managing Tree Bumblebee Nests

The tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) has become increasingly common in the UK since its arrival in 2001, as noted by the Woodland Trust.

Unlike many bumblebee species that nest underground, tree bumblebees prefer above-ground sites such as bird boxes, roof spaces, and wall cavities. This can bring them into closer contact with human activities, particularly in urban areas like Bristol and Bath.

A distinctive behaviour of tree bumblebees is that males patrol the nest entrance in large numbers, which can be mistaken for aggression. However, male bumblebees lack stingers and are harmless.

If the nest is located near high-traffic areas, such as doorways or windows, the activity might cause concern, and there is a risk of disturbing worker bees, which can sting if threatened. In such cases, Pale Horse Pest Control have the expertise to safely assess and relocate bumblebee nests when necessary.

When Lethal Control Might Be Considered

While bumblebees are beneficial and their nests are temporary, there are rare situations where lethal control might be considered. This is typically only when the nest poses a significant risk to human safety, such as being located inside a living space or in an area where individuals with severe allergies are present, and relocation is not feasible.

Conservation organisations strongly advocate for preservation, making lethal control a last resort. If intervention is needed, Pale Horse Pest Control can help.

Bristol and Bath: A Haven for Bumble Bees

Bristol and Bath are home to several bumble bee species, including the common carder bee, red-tailed bumble bee, and the tree bumblebee, thriving in the region’s green spaces.

Local initiatives, such as Bristol’s Urban Buzz project, promote bee-friendly gardens by encouraging residents to plant pollinator-friendly flowers and create nesting habitats. In Bath, the Bath and North East Somerset Council supports biodiversity through community gardening schemes.

Homeowners can contribute by maintaining wild patches or joining local conservation groups, enhancing the ecological health of their gardens.

When to Call Pale Horse Pest Control

If you’re concerned about a bumble bee nest in your garden, particularly a tree bumblebee nest in a problematic location, Pale Horse Pest Control is here to help. Serving Bristol and Bath, our BPCA-certified team provides:

• Nest Assessment: We identify the species and evaluate the risk to determine the best management strategy.
• Safe Relocation: When necessary, we carefully try and relocate nests in bird boxes to a safer location in your garden to preserve the colony and minimise disruption.
• Expert Advice: We offer guidance on how to coexist with bumble bees and create bee-friendly environments in your garden.

Serving areas from Clifton to Combe Down, Pale Horse Pest Control combines local knowledge with environmentally responsible practices to ensure your garden remains a safe and thriving space for both you and these essential pollinators.

Bumblebee Summary

Bumble bees, including the tree bumblebee, are invaluable to Bristol and Bath gardens, supporting pollination and biodiversity. By understanding their nesting habits and adopting safe management practices, you can coexist harmoniously.

For complex situations, such as tree bumblebee nests in high-traffic areas, Pale Horse Pest Control offers professional, ethical solutions to protect both you and these vital insects. Embrace these gentle pollinators and make your garden a thriving ecosystem with our expert support.