Bumble Bees: Nature’s Busy Pollinators
Bumble bees are large, fluffy bees with black and yellow stripes. They’re also highly social insects that live in colonies. Unlike honey bees, bumble bees only produce enough honey to feed their colony. However, they’re extremely important pollinators. They pollinate a wide variety of plants, including native plants, vegetables, fruit trees, and agricultural crops.
How to Attract Bumble Bees to Your Garden
Attracting bumble bees to your garden is easy and doesn’t require a lot of time or space. Even if you only have a few potted plants or a window box, you can attract these beneficial insects.
The most important thing is to provide the right types of flowers. Bumble bees are attracted to flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen. Some of their favorites include:
- Coneflower
- Purple coneflower
- Black-eyed Susan
- Goldenrod
- Asters
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Lavender
- Borage
- Milkweed
In addition to providing the right flowers, you can also attract bumble bees by providing a water source and a nesting habitat. A muddy or damp area provides drinking water for the bees, and a small brush pile with dry grass or twigs makes a good nesting habitat.
Plants That Attract Bumble Bees
When planning a bee-friendly garden, it’s important to keep in mind that native plants and wildflowers are the best choices. Bumble bees rely on these plants for pollen and nectar. Many non-native plants and ornamentals provide very little nectar.
Plant a variety of wildflowers in a range of colors that bloom from spring until autumn. Bees can’t see the color red, so it’s best to avoid planting red flowers. Instead, focus on planting flowers in shades of purple, blue, and yellow.
Bumble bees are also attracted to flat, single blossoms. These flowers are easier for them to access than double blooms.
Bumble Bee Nest Boxes
Bumble bee nest boxes are another way to attract these beneficial insects to your garden. Nest boxes provide a safe and dry place for bumble bees to nest.
Bumble bee nest boxes are square boxes that measure 15 to 25 inches in diameter. Each box has an entrance/exit hole and at least two holes for ventilation. The ventilation holes should be covered with netting to prevent ants from entering the box. The box should also have some type of covering to keep the nest dry.
You can find plans for building a bumble bee nest box online or in books about beekeeping.
Benefits of Bumble Bees
Bumble bees are important pollinators that play a vital role in our ecosystem. They pollinate a wide variety of plants, including many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers that we enjoy.
Bumble bees are also important for the environment. They help to control pests and diseases, and they contribute to the overall health of our planet.
How to Encourage Bumble Bees to Nest in Your Yard
If you want to encourage bumble bees to nest in your yard, there are a few things you can do:
- Provide a variety of flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen.
- Provide a water source and a nesting habitat.
- Avoid using pesticides and herbicides.
- Plant native plants and wildflowers.
By following these tips, you can help to create a welcoming environment for bumble bees and other beneficial insects.