Insect · Low risk
Bumblebee
The bumblebee is an essential pollinator, easy to recognize by its hairy black and yellow body. Unlike wasps, it is not very aggressive and stings only as a last resort. It plays a crucial role in pollinating wildflowers and farm crops in Quebec.
8 to 25 mm · Fuzzy black and yellow
§1Distinctive features
How to identify it
A large, hairy insect of the genus Bombus, 8 to 25 mm depending on the caste. Colouring varies by species: usually black with yellow bands, sometimes orange. Bigger and fuzzier than the honey bee, which is about 12 mm long, and nothing like the wasp, which has a smooth, slender body.
§2Habitat
Where to find it
It nests in the ground (old rodent burrows), under leaf piles, in attics and wall cavities. Colonies are small (50 to 400 individuals) and annual.
§3Reproduction
Lifecycle
The colony is annual: it peaks in summer, then dies in the fall. Only the fertilized queen survives the winter, and the nest is never reused.
§4What to look out for
Signs of presence
- Large, fuzzy, buzzing insects in the garden
- A burrow entrance in the ground or under an object
- Distinctive low buzzing
- Nesting in attics or insulation
§5Real risks
Risks
- Stings are rare but can be repeated: only females sting, and their stinger is smooth
- Allergies rare but possible
- Nest in insulation or a wall: noise and mess, but no structural damage
§6Prevention
How to avoid it
- Avoid blocking burrow entrances in summer
- Fill abandoned burrows in the fall only
- Leave nests alone when they are away from busy areas
- Consult a professional if the nest is in the structure of the house
§7Pro method
How MW works
Inspection
Locating infested areas and assessment.
Preparation
Customized plan · steps to take before the visit.
Treatment
Securing or removing the single nest, or keeping people away from the entrance until the colony dies off naturally.
Follow-up
Control visit · written guarantee offered depending on the treatment chosen.
§8Your questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Are bumblebees protected in Quebec?
Yes, some are. The rusty-patched bumble bee is designated threatened in Quebec and endangered in Canada, and the yellow-banded bumble bee is listed as a species of special concern. Several other species are declining. A bumblebee nest should not be destroyed without a good reason.
Do bumblebees sting?
Rarely. Unlike wasps, they are not aggressive and sting only if they feel threatened. Only females sting, and because their stinger is smooth, they can sting more than once.
Can I live with a bumblebee nest?
Yes, if the nest is away from busy areas. Bumblebees are good for pollinating the garden.
The bumblebee is a useful pollinator that should not be destroyed without a good reason: when the nest is away from where people walk, the wisest choice is often to let it finish its season. When it is inside a wall or near a door, we step in. Our team makes the call on site, as part of our wasp, hornet and bumblebee service, in Granby, Sherbrooke, Magog and Farnham.
Sources consulted for this fact sheet: Québec.ca, rusty-patched bumble bee · Hinterland Who's Who, bumble bees · Species at Risk Public Registry, COSEWIC 2022 · Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, native pollinators (PDF).
React quickly, sleep well.
A badly placed nest is easier to deal with early in the season, before the colony peaks.