| Scientific name | Bombus spp. |
|---|---|
| Group | Bees & Wasps |
| Size | 10–25 mm (up to about 0.98 in) |
| Colors | Black and Yellow |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Garden or plants |
| Most active | Spring, Summer and Fall |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | Yes |
| Risk level | Can bite or sting |
How to identify it
The bumble bee is a medium-sized member of the bees & wasps group. Two pairs of wings and, in females, a stinger at the tip of the abdomen. Check for these three features:
- Plump, fuzzy body covered in dense hair
- Black and yellow, sometimes orange, bands
- Loud, low buzz and slow flight between flowers
About this bug
A large, round, very hairy bee with black and yellow bands. It nests in the ground or old rodent burrows and pollinates tomatoes, blueberries and wildflowers.
You'll usually find bumble bees in gardens and on plants. They are most active in spring, summer and fall.
Is it dangerous?
Bumble bees are gentle but can sting more than once if their nest is disturbed.
Our rating: Can bite or sting, meaning it can bite or sting, usually with mild, local effects.
When you'll see bumble bees
Bumble Bees are most active in spring, summer and fall. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: garden or plants.
About bees & wasps
The bumble bee is one of the bees & wasps. Bees and wasps belong to the same order as ants. Social species such as honey bees, bumble bees, yellowjackets and hornets live in colonies with a queen, while solitary species such as mud daubers and cicada killers raise their young alone. Only females can sting, because the stinger is a modified egg-laying tube.
Social wasp colonies grow all summer and are largest and most defensive in late summer and early fall. Most colonies die off in winter, leaving only new queens to start over in spring.
Should you get rid of it?
No control is needed. Bumble Bees are not pests, and many help by eating other insects or pollinating plants. If one is indoors, move it outside with a cup and a sheet of paper.
Bugs that look similar
Risk: the bumble bee can bite or sting, usually with mild, local effects, while the carpenter bee is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
Size: Bumble Bees are larger, reaching 25 mm, while honey bees top out around 15 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a bumble bee look like?
Plump, fuzzy body covered in dense hair. Adults measure 10–25 mm (up to about 0.98 in).
Does the bumble bee bite or sting?
It does not bite. It can sting. Bumble bees are gentle but can sting more than once if their nest is disturbed.
Where do bumble bees live?
Bumble Bees live in gardens and on plants.
When are bumble bees most active?
Mostly in spring, summer and fall.