Bumble bees are one of several types of bees that live in and around Texas homes. Bumble bees and their relatives, the carpenter bees, are relatively large (15-25mm-long), robust bees covered with numerous hairs. They often have black bodies covered with black and yellow hairs that create 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 [see Extension factsheet L-1826 for more information about carpenter bees and their control].

BIOLOGY
        Bumble bees are social insects.  Nests are usually constructed underground, and consist of a series of more-or-less spherical, waxen cells some of which hold the eggs and young. Some of the cells also 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, and usually consist of only a few hundred individuals. Colony sizes increase throughout the summer. With the advent of cool weather most bees die, with only one or a few queens surviving the winter in sheltered locations.
        Bumble bees can become pests when their nest is located near places frequented by people. Despite their generally docile nature, the activities of bumble bees can be alarming to some. Though not as likely to attack people as other social insects like yellowjackets, bumble bees can and will sting.  Unlike honey bees, which have a barbed stinger that remains in the skin, bumble bees can sting repeatedly.  Stings are most likely to occur around a nest.  Bumble bees rarely sting during pollen gathering visits to flowers.

CONTROL 
         Insecticide sprays should never be applied to flowers for bumble bee control, as this is ineffective and can harm other beneficial insects. The most effective control is to locate and treat the nest.  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 management company for nest extermination.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
        For more information about other stinging insects refer to Extension fact sheets L-1828, Wasps, Hornets and Yellowjackets or L-1791, Honey Bees In and Around Homes. These publications, and help with additional questions about other pest problems, can be obtained by contacting your local county Extension office.

Author:
Michael Merchant, Ph.D., Urban Entomologist, Texas Agricultural Extension Service

Publication information:
This publication is part of the House & Landscape Pest Series produced by the Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2475. The most recent update can be found at: http://dallas.tamu.edu/insects/Ent-1010.html . Series Editor: M. Merchant. For more information about arthropods, check out the Texas A&M Entomology Website at http://insects.tamu.edu
Last revised: 9/6/01

The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied. Additional, or updated copies of this fact sheet may be obtained by contacting the author(s) at the Texas Agricultural Extension Svc., 17360 Coit Road, Dallas, Texas 75252-6599. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

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