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Bumble Bee hive in the ground near my basement #867640

Asked May 08, 2024, 5:24 PM EDT

Is there a way to naturally repel bumble bees from getting in my basement. I can't use essential oils because my tenant reacts to peppermint and other essential oils. Any suggestions for repelling that doesn't involve essential oils? I have a very old duplex and the insulation in the basement storage room has holes and the bees get in. This is the second year I've had a hive in the same area. I do need to replace/repair the insulation but I can't do that when there's a hive near it or in it. I tried to find the Entrance to the hive in my yard. but didn't see any. Any suggestions to do now and what can I do to not have this happen again next year. I am afraid of being stung. I don't have any photos of them but the bees are round and fluffy and big. Quite certain they are bumble bees. thx

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for your question.

When you say “next year”, I’m assuming you are thinking of 2024. True bumble bees only live for one year and generally do not build hives indoors. I suspect that what you are observing are either hornets (e.g., yellow jackets) or some type of wasp. Look at the following for further information:

https://beelab.umn.edu/bumble-bees

https://cpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/u.osu.edu/dist/a/836/files/2014/06/bumblebee_manual-MN-urg0yg.pdf

Unless you are presently seeing something in your storage room, there is not much you can do at this point. Monitor the area and once you see signs of insect activity, you should call a professional exterminator to remove the nest and the queen. If you can take a picture of whatever might appear, all the better. Send it to us and we should then be able to identify exactly what you are dealing with.

Good luck. Thanks for consulting with us.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 10, 2024, 5:04 PM EDT

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