Bumblebees in Seattle, WA

Bumblebees are also non-aggressive, social Hymenopteran. Bumblebees are social with small nests that usually are less than 50 in number. Except for the queen, all bees in the nest will die at the end of the season. Bumblebees can sting, however they are very unlikely stingers. The affect of their sting varies based upon the victim. Bumblebees do not fly with great finesse or accuracy. They are able to get from point A to B, but are clumsy and slow. They are the second largest contributors to the pollination of wild flowers after Honey bees. They are a crucial part of our environment and should not be killed except under extenuating circumstances such as a person having insect venom allergies.

Bumblebees make their nests out of grasses, insulation, and other dry materials that are small enough to be chewed and carried by the insects. The queens will set up nests in old rodent burrows, tree stumps, and wall voids. Bumblebees are large insects ranging from about 1 to 1½ inches and their flight produces a very startling buzz that is much deeper and louder than other common flying insects. Remember that despite their formidable size and sound they are not prone to stinging people.

Bumblebee Biology

All bees fall under the beneficial insect category in that they pollinate flowers and are predators of flies, caterpillars, aphids, and other insect pests. However, for people who are allergic to the stings, the problems far outweigh the benefits, and proper means must be taken to avoid being stung. This is not to say for those of us who are not allergic should be unconcerned about getting stung. Even if you are not allergic you will most likely experience quite a bit of pain after a sting. It is best for people who are known to be sensitive to stings to consult a professional to rid homes, businesses and yards of pests.

In order to identify these pests it is helpful to understand each of the following pest’s nature and lifecycle. The social wasps (i.e. Yellow Jackets, Hornets, and Paper Wasps) are ones that we see most frequently. The easiest way to distinguish the difference wasps is to look at the size of the wasp and the pattern on the abdomen. Most workers will survive only a season while reproductive wasps will survive over winter and start up each spring depending on weather conditions.