Bumblebee Rehoming

Bumblebee Nests: Identification, Removal & Rehoming Guide

Bumblebees are vital wild pollinators, but when they nest in places we find inconvenient like under the lawn, in a bird box, or by the front door, many people wonder what they can do safely and legally. This guide covers the most common species and nest types.

First: The Law in the UK

Most common bumblebees are NOT protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This includes:

• Buff-tailed (Bombus terrestris)

• White-tailed (Bombus lucorum)

• Tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum)

• Garden bumblebee

• Common carder bee

Only rare, declining species are protected (e.g. Shrill carder bee, Moss carder bee). For these, it is illegal to intentionally disturb or destroy nests.

There are NO authorised insecticides to kill bees and in doing so can and will be harmful to wildlife and the environment.

Bumblebee nests are temporary:

• They start in spring with one queen

• Grow to full size by mid-summer

• Die off completely by late September/early October

• They do NOT reuse nests the following year

1. True Ground-Nesting Bumblebees

Species: Buff-tailed, White-tailed, Red-tailed, Garden bumblebee

Where they nest: Abandoned rodent burrows, under grass, under sheds, in soil banks

Depth: Usually 15–45cm (6–18 inches), sometimes up to 90cm (3ft)

Colony size: 150–400 bees at peak

Removal / Rehoming

Legally allowed, but very difficult and risky

• Success rate: Only around 30-50%, nests are easily crushed and bees suffer from shock

• Best time: After dark, using a red torch (bees cannot see red light)

• Method: Dig slowly, follow the tunnel carefully, keep the nest upright at all times, transfer to a prepared nest box, and move at least 1–2km away so workers don’t return

• Alternative: Simply mark the area, keep children/pets away, and it will be gone in a few months.

2. Woodland & Shade-Loving Bumblebees

Species: Garden bumblebee, Heath bumblebee, Common carder bee

Where they nest: Under leaf litter, in grass tussocks, old moss piles, hollow tree stumps, or shallow soil in wooded areas

Depth: Very shallow – often just under the surface or inside hollow stems/logs

Colony size: Smaller – 80–200 bees

Removal / Rehoming

Legal, but even more fragile

• Their nests are often loose and exposed, so digging almost always damages the brood

• Best advice: Leave them be, they are shy and rarely aggressive. Green Rock Pest Control will NOT remove these Bumblebees.

3. Tree Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum)

The most common species found in bird boxes and walls

Where they nest: Bird boxes, wall cavities, eaves, compost bins, occasionally shallow in the ground

Depth: Very shallow, if in soil, usually only 10–20cm deep

Colony size: Small, 50–100 bees

Behaviour: Often fly in fast circles near the entrance, rarely sting unless directly handled

Removal / Rehoming

Legal, but only recommended if they are destined to be destroyed.

• Nests in bird boxes are often easy to see, but the bees will defend the entrance

• Key fact: They leave the nest naturally by late July/early August, much earlier than other species

• Rehoming: If they have to be removed then it will be after dark. The box will be gently removed with the entrance sealed temporarily, and relocated 1–2km away. We will not dig them out if in a wall cavity as this usually fails.

4. Nests in Bird Boxes, Walls & Compost

• Bird boxes: As above, mostly B. hypnorum. You can block the entrance in winter only (when empty) to prevent them returning next year.

• Wall cavities: Almost impossible to remove without structural damage. Do not block the entrance while bees are active, they will find another way inside. Best to leave until autumn, then seal.

• Compost heaps: These are ideal nesting spots. They are harmless and great for pollination, our advice is to leave them alone.

Safety First

• Bumblebees are not aggressive, they only sting if the nest is threatened or they are trapped.

• Wear long sleeves, gloves, and a veil if approaching a nest.

• Never use smoke, petrol, bleach, or garden chemicals, these are illegal and dangerous.

Better Alternatives to Removal

1. Wait it out: Most nests are active for just 3–5 months.

2. Divert them: Put up dedicated bumblebee nest boxes nearby before spring, queens will choose these instead of inconvenient spots.

3. Call Green Rock Pest Control for assistance and advice