Frequently Asked Questions About Bumblebees

Frequently Asked Questions About Bumblebees

 

How do bees make honey?

Honey is a fluid concentration of nectar; nectar is chiefly a mixture of a variety of sugars found as secretions from flowers into their nectaries. Bumblebees imbibe the nectar via their tubular tongues, which are considerably long when compared with the length of the bumblebee body. Their tongues are feathery at the extremity, and they are contained within a sheath. The sheath itself is formed of a pair of palps and maxilla, considered to be extended parts of the bumblebee’s mouth. They act as a sort of straw via which the bumblebee sucks the nectar into the honeystomach – essentially a bag for the storage of the nectar, and which is emptied into the honeypot when the bee returns to the nest. The nectar therefore passes back up through the bee’s mouth again. The bumblebee’s body temperature is almost the same as a human’s, and the temperature within the nest is also quite warm. Consequently, water evaporates from the nectar both in transit and when stored. When a certain degree of water has evaporated from the nectar, it is considered to be honey: concentrated nectar.

 

Can honey be obtained from a Bumblebee nest? – If it can, how much?

The species of Bumblebee, Bombus terretris, is the type that constructs the largest nest in the UK. Even these nests contain at most a few ounces of honey. In experiments on the species B. lapidaries, a nest reared within a nest box was divested of over four ounces of honey and the nest continued to survive. On this account the answer to the question is: yes, theoretically, honey can be obtained from Bumblebees. The quantity, however, is so small that employing such nest for commercial production is not feasible. In addition, the honey obtained is less dense than hive bee honey, being more watery, and, therefore, ferments more easily. On average, a typical bumblebee engaged in 10 flights per day would make a return of nectar sufficient to produce 3 ml of honey. In order to extract the honey from the nest, it would be probably be necessary to destroy eggs and young in process (the nests of bumblebees are not well organised or tidy arrangements). At Key West Pest Control, we would urge against this course of action – humans have a vested interest in the survival of the bumblebee because of our symbiotic relationship with pollinating creatures.

 

What should I do if I discover a bumblebee nest?

Ideally, the best course of action would be simply to leave the nest alone in peace. In certain quarters bumblebee nests are valued highly: farmers who grow tomatoes in greenhouses pay large sums of money for them (tomato plants require the specialised ‘buzz pollination’ method that bumblebees have evolved to employ). If you were to find a nest on your domestic or commercial property you might consider yourself lucky.

It is only natural, however, to be concerned about the location of the nest and what might result from its presence. It is worth bearing in mind though that bumblebee nests are not like honeybee hives, and they will only continue to operate as a nest for a few months at most. It is also worth taking into consideration the fact that bumblebees do not swarm and are not aggressive – only the females have stings and will use them only in the circumstance that they perceive an exceptional threat (unlike wasps). Generally speaking, bumblebees are placid; ff you find a nest under a shed, hutch or house it is best simply to leave it.

Species Bombus pratorum and B. hotorum, which tend to make smaller than average nests, do sometimes construct them in some strange locations. In the case of these species and those like them, the nests are very short lived – it is best to leave them in peace. Observation of the nest can be an anodyne amusement, and can be employed as a stimulating source of education for children. If, however, you find a nest attached to the rotary components a gardening device or somewhere else inconvenient such as in garden clothing, it might be necessary to relocate the nest. A nest can be relocated to a container such as a biscuit barrel or sandwich box. Alternatively, you could make a nest box. If the nest was found outside, then the nest box ought to be outside – but make sure it is weatherproof. Likewise, if the nest was found inside, it is best to relocate it to an interior site. If you are uncertain as to how to proceed, contact Key West Pest Control: we will advise and intervene if it is necessary. If you do decide to transfer the nest yourself, make sure you do it in the early evening when all or most of the bees will be inside the nest – they will be less active because it is cooler. You will need to work quickly, so get someone to assist you. It is advisable to provide building materials to the newly transferred bees such as dry felt, moss and bits of dried grass. If you are relocating the nest you must be prepared to catch late returning workers to the nest and place them in the new nest. They will return that night or in the morning when it is warmer. The survival of the nest depends of the operation of all of the workers in gathering food. The nest itself should be south-facing.

 

How long does a bumblebee nest last?

The duration of the operation of a nest depends largely on two factors: the species of bumblebee, and how successful the nest is. A nest of Bombus terrestris might last from early spring to October; whereas a short lived nest such as that of Bombus pratorum can last for just a month. The answer to this question depends on you identifying which species of bumblebee you have. It is an unfortunate fact to take into consideration that not all nests complete their lifecycles.

 

Can bumblebees be kept in the same way as hive bees?

The answer to this question is: yes, that is, if you put together a suitable nest box. They will not, of course, survive the winter. For details on how to construct an appropriate nest box, contact us at Key West Pest Control.

 

I have been given a bumblebee nest box, but I think it is the wrong time of year – what should I do with it?

The best thing to do would be to put it outside and leave it to the elements. If you have seen bumblebees around and about your area (i.e. in your garden) try to identify the species and therefore ascertain whether it is a ground-, surface- or above ground-nesting species. Most species tend to have a preference. Make sure you look around for a good site and take your time to place the box suitably: south-facing and secluded. All you have to do then is leave it alone. In the spring it is worth inspecting the inside of the box. If the box show signs of occupancy by birds or small mammal, it is a good sign. Leave the existing nesting material and droppings. Bumblebee queens prefer such conditions. If you think it is necessary, place a little more nesting material inside the box. If you find that there are no signs of activity by small mammals or roosting birds, and it is damp or wet and showing signs of the activity of slugs and snails, it is a bad site. It is then necessary to clean the box out and dry it to be placed in a better location.

 

This year, I have noticed bumblebees entering the building through an air brick – how do I prevent this happening next year?

You do not need to block up the air brick – it is there for a reason after all. Simply cover the air brick with either metal or plastic mesh sufficiently small to prevent a bumblebee queen entering. These creatures have weak jaws and will not be able to get through.