New England Bees: Bumble Bees
Bumble bees are one of several types of bees in New England. These robust flying insects vary in size based on their caste. For instance, queens are the largest and can measure up to an inch long. Males are mid-sized, while workers are the smallest, averaging about half an inch in length.
Covered in hair, these furry pests commonly have black and yellow or orange bands around their bodies. The female bumble bee has special compartments on her back legs that she uses to collect and store pollen from flowers and crops. Social by nature, they typically live in a nest of around 400 bees.
Do Bumble Bees Sting?
Though generally harmless, bumble bees do sting when they feel threatened. Unlike some New England bees, bumble bees can sting repeatedly. While the sharp pain vanishes quickly for most, these attacks can lead to severe allergic reactions in some people. If you believe you have a bumble bee or any stinging pest infestation, call our team of experts at Waltham Pest Services.