BUMBLEBEE EXTERMINATOR - MONTREAL & SOUTH SHORE

The lifespan of a bumblebee varies depending on its role within the colony:

• Queen bumblebees: They live the longest, typically surviving through the winter and emerging in the spring to start a new colony. Their lifespan can be up to 1 year.

• Worker bumblebees: These bees live for a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the time of year and environmental conditions. Generally, their lifespan is around 6 to 8 weeks.

• Male bumblebees (drones): Drones have the shortest lifespan, usually living only a few weeks. Their main role is mating with a queen, and they die shortly after mating.

The duration of a bumblebee's life is heavily influenced by the time of year and the specific colony dynamics.

Yes, bumblebees live in colonies. A bumblebee colony is typically made up of a queen, worker bees, and male bees (drones). The colony is organized as follows:

• Queen: The queen bumblebee is the only reproductive female in the colony. She starts the colony by laying eggs in the spring, and her role is to produce the next generation of bees.

• Worker Bees: These are the female bees that do not reproduce. They are responsible for foraging for nectar and pollen, caring for the eggs and larvae, defending the hive, and maintaining the colony.

• Male Bees (Drones): Drones are male bees whose primary role is to mate with a queen. They do not forage or take part in colony maintenance. Drones typically only appear in the later part of the summer.

Bumblebee colonies are usually small compared to honeybee colonies, and they typically last for one season. In the fall, the colony dies, with only the fertilized queen surviving through the winter to start a new colony in the spring.

Honeybees and bumblebees are both important pollinators, but there are several key differences between them:

1. Size and Appearance:
   

   • Honeybees: Honeybees are generally smaller, with slimmer bodies covered in finer, more uniform hairs.

   • Bumblebees: Bumblebees are larger, with rounder, more robust bodies, and have dense, fuzzy hairs which help them collect pollen.

1. Coloration:
   

   • Honeybees: Honeybees typically have golden-yellow and brown stripes on their bodies.

   • Bumblebees: Bumblebees have more varied coloration, often with bold yellow, orange, and black patterns, though some species can be more colorful or have different markings.

1. Social Structure:
   

   • Honeybees: Honeybee colonies are larger and more permanent. A single colony can have tens of thousands of bees and they live year-round in their hives.

   • Bumblebees: Bumblebee colonies are smaller, typically consisting of several hundred bees, and only last for a single season. The queen is the only survivor in winter.

1. Nesting Habits:
   

   • Honeybees: Honeybees build their hives in cavities, typically inside man-made beekeeping boxes or natural hollows in trees.

   • Bumblebees: Bumblebees usually nest in the ground, often in abandoned rodent burrows or under grass, although they can also nest in other sheltered spots.

1. Honey Production:
   

   • Honeybees: Honeybees are known for producing large quantities of honey, which they store for the winter. This is a key trait that makes them important for beekeeping.

   • Bumblebees: While bumblebees also make honey, they produce much less and do not store it for long periods. They only make enough to feed their colony during the active season.

1. Flight Style:
   

   • Honeybees: Honeybees fly in a relatively straight line and are typically faster in flight.

   • Bumblebees: Bumblebees fly more slowly and with a distinctive "buzz." Their flight is more erratic, and they are often seen hovering in front of flowers.

1. Pollination:
   

   • Honeybees: Honeybees are efficient generalist pollinators, visiting a wide variety of flowers.

   • Bumblebees: Bumblebees are also excellent pollinators, but they tend to be more specialized, and their larger size allows them to pollinate flowers that honeybees can't, such as those with deeper corollas.

1. Stinging Behavior:
   

   • Honeybees: Honeybees can sting only once because their stinger is barbed and gets stuck in the skin. After stinging, they die.

   • Bumblebees: Bumblebees can sting multiple times because their stinger is not barbed. They are generally less aggressive than honeybees.

Overall, while both honeybees and bumblebees are crucial for pollination, bumblebees are more robust and better suited to pollinate certain types of flowers, while honeybees are known for their honey production and larger colonies.

Bumblebees primarily feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. Here's how they use these sources of food:

1. Nectar:

   • Nectar is a sugary liquid produced by flowers, and it serves as the primary energy source for bumblebees. Bumblebees use their long tongues (proboscis) to suck nectar from flowers. They store nectar in a special part of their body called the "honey stomach," which they bring back to the nest to feed other bees.

1. Pollen:

   • Pollen is a protein-rich substance that bumblebees collect and store in specialized baskets on their hind legs (called "pollen baskets"). They use pollen to feed the developing larvae in the colony, as it provides essential nutrients for growth and development.

Bumblebees visit a wide variety of flowers, collecting both nectar and pollen, which are crucial for their survival and the success of their colony. While nectar gives them the energy needed for flying and foraging, pollen provides the necessary proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to sustain the colony.

The primary differences between a queen and a worker bumblebee are related to their size, role in the colony, and physical characteristics:

1. Size:
   

   • Queen Bumblebee: The queen is the largest bee in the colony, often significantly bigger than the workers. She has a larger abdomen to accommodate her reproductive organs.

   • Worker Bumblebee: Worker bees are smaller than the queen and are typically the ones that are most visible when foraging or performing other tasks around the nest.

1. Role in the Colony:
   

   • Queen Bumblebee: The queen's primary role is reproduction. She is the only female in the colony that lays eggs. She starts the colony in spring by laying eggs that develop into workers. Later in the season, she lays eggs that develop into new queens and male drones.

   • Worker Bumblebee: Worker bees are non-reproductive females. They perform various tasks within the colony, including foraging for nectar and pollen, caring for the larvae, defending the nest, and maintaining the hive. They are the “worker force” of the colony.

1. Reproductive Ability:
   

   • Queen Bumblebee: The queen is the only bee in the colony that reproduces. After mating with male drones, she stores sperm and can lay fertilized eggs throughout the season, ensuring the colony's survival.

   • Worker Bumblebee: Worker bees do not lay eggs and are sterile. They assist in the colony’s upkeep but do not contribute to reproduction.

1. Lifespan:
   

   • Queen Bumblebee: The queen has the longest lifespan in the colony, surviving up to a year. She hibernates through the winter and starts a new colony the following spring.

   • Worker Bumblebee: Worker bees have shorter lifespans, typically living for a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the time of year.

1. Physical Characteristics:
   

   • Queen Bumblebee: The queen has a larger, more elongated abdomen and may have a more pronounced, smooth appearance compared to workers. She also lacks the visible pollen baskets that workers use to carry pollen.

   • Worker Bumblebee: Worker bees are smaller with more compact bodies, and they have specialized pollen baskets on their hind legs for carrying pollen back to the colony.

In summary, while both queens and workers are female bees, the queen is the reproductive leader of the colony, and the workers perform the necessary tasks to maintain the hive and care for the larvae.

Bumblebees can be found in a variety of habitats, but they generally prefer areas with abundant flowers for foraging and suitable nesting sites. Their habitats include:

1. Wildflower Meadows: Bumblebees thrive in areas with diverse plant life, especially meadows full of wildflowers. These environments provide the nectar and pollen they need to feed.

2. Gardens and Orchards: Gardens, especially those with a mix of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees, can provide an ideal environment for bumblebees. Orchards with fruit trees also offer good sources of pollen and nectar.

3. Woodlands: Many bumblebee species can be found in wooded areas, particularly in clearings or the edges of forests where flowering plants and shrubs are abundant.

4. Grasslands: Bumblebees also inhabit grasslands and fields, especially those with varied vegetation. These areas offer a rich source of nectar and pollen from grasses and wildflowers.

5. Urban and Suburban Areas: While less common, bumblebees can adapt to urban and suburban environments with gardens, parks, and green spaces that provide nectar and pollen. These areas are increasingly important for bumblebee populations as natural habitats shrink.

6. Farmland (with diverse crops): In agricultural areas, bumblebees often forage in fields with a variety of crops or hedgerows. However, monoculture farming can limit their habitat, as it offers fewer plant species for foraging.

7. Nesting Sites: Bumblebees prefer sheltered places for nesting, such as:
   

   • Underground burrows: Many species of bumblebees nest in abandoned rodent burrows or other underground cavities. The insulation of the soil helps regulate temperature.

   • Thick grass or leaf litter: Some bumblebees nest in thick grass or under leaf litter, especially in woodland areas.

   • Hollow tree stumps or logs: Some species prefer to nest in hollow tree stumps, logs, or old rotting wood.

The availability of both food sources (nectar and pollen) and suitable nesting sites is crucial for bumblebees. As habitats are lost or degraded due to urbanization and agricultural practices, many bumblebee populations are threatened, making the conservation of natural habitats and the creation of pollinator-friendly spaces even more important.

You can identify a queen bumblebee by several distinct features that set her apart from worker bees and drones:

1. Size:
   

   • The queen bumblebee is significantly larger than both worker bees and drones. She can be about 25-30% larger than the worker bees, with a noticeably more robust and bulky appearance. Her size is especially noticeable in comparison to the other bees in the colony.

1. Shape:
   

   • The queen has a more elongated body and a larger abdomen compared to workers and drones. Her abdomen often appears to be more rounded and filled with eggs, particularly during the reproductive season when she's actively laying eggs.

1. Color:
   

   • While the coloration can vary by species, queens often have a more distinct and vibrant color pattern, with clear bands of black and yellow or orange. However, it's the size and shape that are the most reliable indicators of a queen.

1. Behavior:
   

   • Queens tend to behave differently from worker bees. During the warmer months, they are usually observed flying in search of a mate or settling into the nest to begin laying eggs.

   • In contrast, worker bees are primarily focused on foraging and maintaining the hive. Drones, the male bees, are typically larger than workers but have a less noticeable abdomen and are more focused on mating.

1. Wings:
   

   • The queen's wings are proportionally shorter compared to her body size when compared to workers and drones. While her wings are still fully functional for flight, the queen's wings tend to appear relatively smaller in proportion to her larger body.

1. Presence in the Colony:
   

   • Queens are typically the only bees in a colony that lay eggs. So, if you see a large bee inside the nest or hive that is actively laying eggs or surrounded by newly laid eggs, it's almost certainly a queen.

1. During Spring or Fall:
   

   • In spring, you'll often see the queen bumblebee emerging from hibernation to start a new colony. In late summer or fall, queens will be seen flying to mate and prepare for hibernation. During this time, the queen may appear more active and independent than other bees.

In summary, the queen bumblebee is noticeably larger, with a more rounded abdomen and distinct coloration. Her size, shape, and behavior are the most reliable indicators to differentiate her from worker bees and drones.

When a bumblebee stings, it injects venom into its target through a stinger located at the end of its abdomen. However, unlike honeybees, bumblebees can sting multiple times without dying. Here's what happens during the stinging process:

1. Stinger Penetration:
   

   • The bumblebee uses its stinger, a sharp, needle-like structure, to penetrate the skin or other surfaces of its target. The stinger is connected to a venom sac within the bee's abdomen, which releases venom when the stinger is inserted.

1. Venom Injection:
   

   • When the stinger is inserted into the skin, the venom sac contracts and pumps venom through the stinger into the target. The venom causes pain and irritation and can trigger an inflammatory response in the skin, leading to swelling, redness, and a burning sensation.

1. Bumblebee's Ability to Sting Multiple Times:
   

   • Unlike honeybees, whose barbed stingers become lodged in the skin and are torn out when they fly away (which ultimately causes the bee’s death), bumblebees can withdraw their stinger and sting multiple times. This is because their stingers are not barbed, which allows them to pull it out without causing damage to themselves.

1. Purpose of the Sting:
   

   • Bumblebees sting primarily in self-defense or to protect their nest. If they feel threatened, especially near their colony, they may use their stinger to defend themselves and their hive from perceived threats, such as predators or humans.

1. Aftermath of the Sting:
   

   • Once the bumblebee has stung, it typically flies away to continue foraging or defending its nest. If the sting occurs in an area with a lot of exposed skin (such as a human hand), the pain, swelling, and redness will generally subside within a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the individual’s sensitivity to the venom.

1. Venom Effects:
   

   • The venom of a bumblebee can cause localized pain, swelling, and itching. Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the venom, which can lead to more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or anaphylaxis. In such cases, immediate medical attention is necessary.

In summary, when a bumblebee stings, it injects venom into its target, causing pain and irritation. Unlike honeybees, bumblebees can sting multiple times and survive. They use their stinger primarily for defense to protect themselves and their nest.

No, a bumblebee colony cannot survive for long without a queen. The queen is essential for the colony's reproduction and overall survival. Here’s why:

1. Role of the Queen:
   

   • The queen bumblebee is the only female in the colony capable of laying eggs. These eggs are fertilized to produce worker bees (female bees that forage and maintain the colony) and male bees (drones) for mating.

   • The queen is responsible for ensuring the colony's continuity by laying eggs throughout the colony’s active months, typically from spring to fall.

1. What Happens Without a Queen?:
   

   • If the queen dies or is removed from the colony, the workers will no longer be able to produce new offspring. The workers can only live for a few weeks, and without new bees being born, the colony will eventually die off.

   • In some cases, worker bees may attempt to lay eggs, but these are unfertilized eggs and will only produce more drones (male bees), not workers or new queens. However, without a queen, there is no way to produce new queens or worker bees to keep the colony going.

1. Reproductive Cycle:
   

   • In the fall, the queen lays eggs that become new queens and drones. The new queens and drones mate before winter sets in. The new queens hibernate and emerge in spring to start the next generation, while the rest of the colony dies off.

   • Without a queen, this reproductive cycle is disrupted, and the colony will not produce the next generation of queens and workers.

In summary, a bumblebee colony cannot survive without a queen for long. The queen is essential for reproduction, and without her, the colony will eventually die out, as the worker bees cannot reproduce and maintain the colony.

A bumblebee is a type of large, fuzzy bee belonging to the genus Bombus. They are known for their distinctive appearance and their important role in pollination. Here are some key characteristics and facts about bumblebees:

1. Appearance:
   

   • Bumblebees are larger and hairier than honeybees, with fuzzy bodies covered in short, dense hair. This helps them collect pollen as they fly from flower to flower.

   • They are typically black and yellow in color, although some species can have orange, white, or red markings.

1. Size:
   

   • Bumblebees are generally larger than honeybees, with some species being as long as 1 inch (2.5 cm) in body length. The queen bumblebee is particularly large, sometimes 30% larger than the worker bees.

1. Habitat:
   

   • Bumblebees can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, fields, meadows, forests, and urban areas. They prefer areas with an abundance of flowers for nectar and pollen.

1. Social Structure:
   

   • Bumblebees live in colonies that consist of a queen, workers (sterile females), and drones (males). The queen is the reproductive female, while workers forage for food and maintain the nest. Drones' primary role is to mate with the queen.

   • Unlike honeybees, bumblebee colonies are smaller and do not survive the winter. Only the queen survives the cold months, hibernating until spring when she starts a new colony.

1. Pollination:
   

   • Bumblebees are excellent pollinators, crucial to the reproduction of many plants. They are particularly good at buzz pollination, where they vibrate their bodies to release pollen from certain flowers, such as tomatoes, blueberries, and peppers.

   • Their ability to pollinate a wide variety of plants makes them key players in agriculture and ecosystem health.

1. Diet:
   

   • Bumblebees feed primarily on nectar for energy and pollen for protein, which they collect from flowers. They have a long proboscis (tongue) that allows them to reach nectar in deep flowers that other pollinators might not be able to access.

1. Lifespan:
   

   • The lifespan of an individual bumblebee is generally short, typically only a few weeks to a few months. However, the queen can live much longer, surviving through the winter to start a new colony in spring.

In summary, bumblebees are large, furry, social insects that are vital to pollination and play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They live in colonies, with a queen, workers, and drones, and they are highly effective at pollinating plants, making them essential to food production and biodiversity.