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How to Raise Bumblebees at Home

With the collapse of European bee colonies, farmers and gardeners are turning to other native pollinators for help. Named for the humming sound they make, bumblebees are much larger than honeybees and more than 44 species are native to North America. Unlike honeybees, bumblebees aren't honey producers; they rarely store more than a day or two of nectar. However, bumblebees are strong pollinators.

Things You'll Need

Small commercial hive or wooden box
1 cup sugar
8 ounces water
Spray bottle
Native plants
Pie pan

Instructions

- 1
  Find a bumblebee nest. Native bumblebees will grow best in your home. Bumblebees nest in the ground. Watch the bumblebees in your area. Pay special attention when you see them flying close to the ground in an area that has no flowers. Look at the ground until you find a hole with bumblebees crawling in and out.
- 2
  Place a bee shelter on the ground near the entrance to the underground nest. Because bumblebees aren't honey producers, a traditional hive isn't necessary. Bumblebees will seek any type of shelter and typically take over rodent burrows. So virtually any type of wooden box works well. Bumblebees will also move into a small commercial beehive. These are small white boxes available from any beekeeping source.
- 3
  Mix 1 cup of water with 8 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spray both the new hive, which is either the box or commercial hive, and the old nest that you have found with the sweetened water.
- 4
  Surround the new hive that you have placed next to the old nest, with native flowering plants. These attract the bees to their new home.
- 5
  Place a small pan of water on top of the hive. A steady supply of fresh water attracts bumblebees. Check the water daily to keep the bumblebees in their new home.

Insects & Science