Raising Bumble Bees Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about how to raise Bumble Bees:

What do I feed captive bumble bees?

Feed them sugar water (like 1:1 ratio of sugar to water) and provide access to pollen-rich flowers or supplements designed for pollinators.

How long do bumble bee colonies last?

A typical bumble bee colony lasts one season, from spring to late summer, after which only the new queens survive to start fresh nests the following year.

Are bumble bees dangerous to handle?

Bumble bees are generally gentle and rarely sting unless provoked, making them safe to observe and care for even around children and pets.

How do I attract wild bumble bees to my garden?

Plant a variety of native flowering plants that bloom throughout the season, avoid pesticides, and offer nesting materials like dry grass and soil mounds.

Can I move a bumble bee nest?

It’s best not to disturb nests, but if necessary, relocation should be done at night using a ventilated container and gloves, preferably by a professional.

How many bumble bees are in a colony?

A healthy bumble bee colony typically contains 50 to 400 bees, depending on species and environmental conditions, much smaller than honeybee hives.

What do I do if my bumble bees aren’t thriving?

Check for adequate food supply, proper nesting conditions, and signs of disease or pests—adjusting habitat and feeding practices may help revive the colony.

How do I protect bumble bees from predators?

Use mesh covers over nests, place nesting boxes in sheltered spots, and discourage ants and rodents by keeping the area clean and secure.

Can I raise bumble bees indoors?

Yes, bumble bees can be raised indoors in controlled environments like greenhouses for crop pollination, provided they have enough space, light, and food.

Do bumble bees produce honey?

Bumble bees store small amounts of nectar for immediate use but do not produce surplus honey like honeybees, focusing instead on feeding larvae and workers.

How do I know if a queen is laying eggs?

Observe her behavior—queens will build wax pots for nectar storage and lay eggs in individual cells shortly after establishing a nest.

Should I buy or attract bumble bees?

Buying a colony ensures a quicker start, while attracting wild queens supports local biodiversity—both methods can work depending on your goals and resources.

What diseases affect bumble bees?

Common issues include fungal infections like Nosema bombi and parasitic flies—prevention involves maintaining clean habitats and avoiding overcrowding.

How do I keep bumble bees through winter?

Only new queens survive winter; allow them to hibernate in undisturbed soil or provide artificial cold storage in a refrigerator or cool cellar.

Why is raising bumble bees important?

Raising bumble bees helps combat pollinator decline, improves garden and farm productivity, and supports ecological balance through natural pollination services.

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