The bumblebee is arguably the least intimidating-looking bee of the bunch, and dare we say it–adorable. There are over 250 species of this bee in the northern hemisphere alone. While it looks harmless, is it? How do you identify it? And are they important? Find out.

Spotlight: The Bumblebee

Appearance: This bee has four wings, with the rear wings smaller than the ones you’ll find in the front. The bumblebees you’ll likely see are yellow and black with thick bodies and many hairs. Their wings flap very fast, which is why you’ll hear the familiar buzzing when they’re around.

Behavior: Bumblebees are social insects that live in colonies. The queen bee lays hundreds of eggs, and male drones fertilize a receptive queen. Worker bees are in charge of the other tasks the nest needs to thrive.

Threat Level: You might be surprised to learn that bumblebees do sting. The workers and queen have smooth stingers, so they can sting multiple times. While they do have the ability to sting, they likely won’t if you see them buzzing from flower to flower. They will, however, defend their nest, so be wary when you see one.

Importance: Bumblebees are very important for the world; they are valuable pollinators. Their hair helps the pollen stick to their bodies. In addition to harvesting pollen, they also harvest nectar.

Do You Have Stinging Insects on Your Property?

Just because bumblebees are beneficial insects doesn’t mean you want them to cohabitate with you. The experts at ExtermPRO know how to responsibly relocate this social bee’s hive without killing them. Should you have a more threatening, less valuable, stinging pest, we know how to take care of them, too. Call us today at 571-620-1168 to learn more about our stinging insect services.