Bumblebees in our basement - Ask Extension
Does OSU have anyone (or know of anyone in the area) to help us with a nest of bumblebees in our basement? We live in a 100+ house in Albany and we wo...
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Bumblebees in our basement #877469
Asked July 16, 2024, 12:51 PM EDT
Does OSU have anyone (or know of anyone in the area) to help us with a nest of bumblebees in our basement? We live in a 100+ house in Albany and we would love to connect with someone who can facilitate help us relocate this hive. The first attached picture is a very small version of what we've been seeing (30-40 in the house daily).
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Kristine,
What a dilemma. Removing a bumble colony typically results in damaging the nest, so removal is typically destruction. Bumble bee nests naturally collapse in by the end of summer, so I typically advise people with colonies that have established in a bad place to wait it out. In your case, this won't work. The fact that they are in the house makes me think the nest has "discovered" another hole (aside from the one that they are exiting the house through). If you can find that hole and plug it, they should just use the hole to the outside. But, given its location and the nuisance it is causing you may need to call a pest control professional.
Best,
Andony
What a dilemma. Removing a bumble colony typically results in damaging the nest, so removal is typically destruction. Bumble bee nests naturally collapse in by the end of summer, so I typically advise people with colonies that have established in a bad place to wait it out. In your case, this won't work. The fact that they are in the house makes me think the nest has "discovered" another hole (aside from the one that they are exiting the house through). If you can find that hole and plug it, they should just use the hole to the outside. But, given its location and the nuisance it is causing you may need to call a pest control professional.
Best,
Andony
