In nature it is a woodland edge species but in our human dominated ecology it is frequently associated with man made structures.
Tree bumble bees in roof.
It is common for them to use a bird box.
But it s not a cause for worry.
If you have tree bumblebees bombus hypnorum nesting in a bird box or your roof eaves you may see large groups of bees flying around the nest in the summer.
These bees collect and store nectar.
Bumble bees nest underground above ground and in some cases in trees.
I had them under some roof tiles above my front door a few years ago.
The males do not have stingers so are harmless.
Compared to honey bees their stores are much smaller.
Nests under roof eaves or in the ground.
Buzzing noises in the wall.
Where do bumble bees build their nests.
Run a hose or pipe underground to the pot leaving a prominent entrance.
Mix two cups of water and 2 3 cups of peppermint castile soap and keep a kettle of hot boiling water handy.
Be sure to make drainage holes in the pipe.
Unlike other bees in the uk which nest at ground level this species nests above ground in cavities such as holes in trees and roof spaces and indeed last year at leeds university a nest was observed in a gap in one the buildings in the biology department.
Sink the upturned flower pot into the ground and use the slate tile to cover any drainage holes to keep the rain out.
During may and june tree bumblebees can be seen swarming around their nest entrances which can be alarming if they are nesting in your roof or garden.
The main part of the nest is made of honeypots or wax cells produced by the bees.
It is actually lots of males buzzing about waiting for the queens to emerge so that they can mate with them.
Pour the hot boiling water after this and then run inside the house to avoid bumble bee stings.
If there are nests in the wall you may hear buzzing from all the bee activity.
If bees are making nests in your walls or attic you may find dead bees in windowsills or near doors.
You are more likely to find these hives in rodent burrows thick grass wall cavities sheds or in trees as you can see in the photo above.
Social bees including bumblebees and honeybees typically build their hives or nests in hollow or abandoned areas.
Put on some protective clothing and start pouring the soap and water mixture down the nest with a hose or a pipe.
They will move on and then you will be able to clear out the box for hopefully a different resident next year.
The tree bumblebee is one of the first bumblebee species to be seen in the spring.
Where they build their nest is dependent on the species.
Finally fill with a generous handful of nesting material such.
