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5/5/08 | Honey bees
Bumble bees, genus Bombus, are robust and densely covered with black and yellow hairs (setae); the pattern of colors varies with species. They range in size from about 0.5 to 1.0 inch long. Bumble bees are social and nest in existing cavities, usually on or in the ground. They often use abandoned mouse nests, bird nests or anything containing soft materials. Only fertilized queens survive the winter to start new colonies in the spring.
Carpenter bees, Xylocopa virginica, are sometimes confused with bumble bees because they are similar in size and are black with some yellow hairs. To determine which bee you see, note the way the insect moves. Bumble bees fly low to the ground and move slowly. Carpenter bees hover motionless at eye level or along wooden beams and are rather quick. In addition, the top of the carpenter bee's abdomen lacks yellow hair markings. It is almost hairless and appears to be entirely black and rather shiny.
Bumble bees seldom enter structures and are not aggressive unless they are defending their nest. If they build a nest close to human activity, control may be necessary. Spray or inject a dust into the nest after dark, using a flashlight with a red lens or a lens covered with red cellophane. Bees and wasps cannot see red. Therefore, they will not be attracted to the light, although the operator can still see well enough to apply the pesticide.
Updated 1/17/08