The Bird Box Buzz: Tree Bumblebees Move In

dorsetcountrylife
1 day ago
3 min read

Tree Bees Fanning the queen in a bird box to keep her cool — Tree Bumblebees In My Bird Box

It’s that time of year again when the garden bursts into life—flowers bloom, birds sing, and bees busily zip from blossom to blossom. But this spring brought an unexpected surprise: a nest of Tree Bumblebees (Bombus hypnorum) decided that the bird box on my garage wall was the perfect place to call home.

A New Kind of Visitor

Tree bumblebees are relative newcomers to the UK. First recorded here in 2001, they've since spread rapidly and are now common throughout much of England and Wales, even venturing into Scotland. Unlike many native bumblebees, they’re particularly fond of nesting above ground—in loft spaces, roof eaves, and, as I discovered, bird boxes.

You can spot them easily: they’re slightly smaller than the usual garden bumblebee, with a ginger-orange thorax, a black abdomen, and a white tail. Their colouring is distinctive and striking, especially as they zip around in the sunshine. They are actually rather cute fluffy little things

What’s It Like Having a Bee Nest in a Bird Box?

At first, I wasn’t sure what was going on. I noticed a lot of bee activity around the bird box—far more than I’d expect from a few foragers. Then I saw a curious ‘hovering dance’ at the entrance: male bees gathering, hoping to mate with a new queen. It turns out, I had a full-blown colony inside!

The bees were active but not aggressive. They generally leave us alone, even when we were gardening nearby. Tree bumblebee colonies are seasonal—lasting just a few months—so I knew they wouldn’t be around for long.

Why Are My Bees Gathering Around The Entrance Of The Bird Box In A Circle?

This intrigued me more than anything. At times the bees would sit shoulder to shoulder around the entrance of the bird box. My initials thoughts where are they guarding the entrance? I needed to find out exactly what there where doing and why.

To my complete amazement it turns out that they are gathering around the entrance frantically flapping their wings to bring cool air into the next box , like bee air con. The Queen is busy laying eggs so they are keeping her comfortable. Isn't nature the most incredible thing!

So Are They Dangerous?

The short answer is no, but with a few caveats.

Tree bumblebees are not usually aggressive, but like all bees, they will defend their nest if seriously disturbed. If your bird box is near a busy path, doorway, or children’s play area, you may notice a bit more bee traffic than you’d like. In most cases, though, you can simply leave them be. They’ll move on by late summer, and the box will be free for cleaning and future bird tenants.

What Should You Do If You Find a Nest?

Here are some simple tips if you find yourself hosting a tree bumblebee colony:

Don’t panic – They’re native, beneficial pollinators, and the colony is temporary.
Keep your distance – Avoid touching or knocking the bird box.
Wait it out – By July or August, the bees will be gone.
Clean the box in autumn – Remove the old nest material and make the box ready for birds next spring.

Should You Remove Them?

In general, removal isn’t recommended or necessary. Tree bumblebees are protected by conservation efforts, and relocating a nest can be difficult and harmful to the colony. Unless they’re causing a real hazard (like nesting inside your home), it’s best to let them finish their life cycle naturally.

Nature Finds a Way

While I’d been hoping for blue tits, I’ve found myself unexpectedly charmed by these buzzing little tenants. Watching them come and go, pollinating the garden, and going about their complex little lives has been a real privilege. It’s a reminder of how much life a simple bird box can support—and how even the smallest wild corners of a garden can become a haven for nature.

If you’ve got Tree Bumblebees nesting near you, consider it a lucky encounter with one of the UK’s newest (and busiest) pollinators.