Close-up of a fuzzy black and yellow bumblebee with a round body, dense hair covering its thorax and abdomen, and translucent wings resting over its back.

What Do Bumblebees Look Like?

Bumble bees are large, fuzzy pollinators known for their black-and-yellow banded coloration, round oval-shaped bodies, and short, translucent dark brown wings. Measuring between ½ inch and 1 inch in length, they are noticeably larger and more robust than honey bees. Bumble bees play an essential role in pollination through a process called buzz pollination, rapidly vibrating their wings and bodies against flowers to release trapped pollen, which helps plants produce more fruit and supports healthy plant growth.

Have a Bee Problem?

Get rid of nuisance bumblebees in your home or business with our professional, humane beehive removal.

Where Do Bumblebees Nest?

Bumble bees typically make nests in existing cavities both above and below ground, such as rock piles, rodent burrows, and hollow trees. Some bumble bees nest in rock or tree crevices around patio areas or decks, under porches, or in the eaves of roofs. They will build in any dry, protected area they find. Bumble bees are social insects living in colonies containing between 50 and 400 bees with one queen bee. The only bumblebees to survive winter are the queens.

Do Bumblebees Sting?

Yes, bumble bees can sting, but they are generally docile and less likely to sting than other bees. They will only sting to defend themselves and their nest. Bumble bees have smooth stingers and can sting more than once. Bumblebee stings are very painful.
A healthy colony of honey bees safely removed from a humane beehive removal.

Beehive Removal in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

If you discover a beehive on your property, do not try to remove it yourself. Bumblebee nests should generally be left alone because they play an important role in pollination. However, if you need to remove a beehive for safety reasons, contact your local bee experts at Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control for help! Our certified pest specialists provide safe, effective stinging pest control andnest removal services in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.