Bumble Bee Nest Site Survey

Bumble bees are important pollinators of agricultural crops and wild plants, but we know little about their natural history in North America. Anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggest that bumble bee species are declining throughout the continent but much more research is needed. You can help! By filling out this short survey when you find a bumble bee nest, you’ll be contributing to important research on bumble bees. Every detail brings us closer to understanding and conserving these important pollinators!

A bumble bee nest might be located anywhere- one of the reasons for this survey is to find out where they like to nest! It could be under a log, in the ground, in a tree, in the side of a building, or in an old mouse burrow. You'll know you've found a nest if you see bumble bees flying into and out of the same hole repeatedly and if you hear a humming sound near the hole. Bumble bees are gentle and ignore people unless grabbed or their nest threatened, so you're not likely to get stung unless you block the entrance or if you disturb the nest itself. When you're near the nest, move slowly and walk softly so you don't alarm them and you're very unlikely to be stung. You will likely not be able to see the nest, as it will probably be concealed by something like leaves or grass. Don't try to uncover the nest if you can't see it. You don't need to see the nest itself to contribute invaluable information for this research- just be as descriptive of the location as possible.

The goal for this survey is to compile nest site and habitat features for bumble bees throughout North America and make this information available to anyone at no cost. Survey results and a narrative report will be available for viewing after each survey season is over (usually in November/December). Feel free to email Athena Anderson if you have related questions or comments.

For information on bumble bee anatomy, ecology, and species identification, please see these sites:

Thank you for your support of bumble bee research!