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Grounded Bumblebees... What's Happening... Can or Should You Help...

Updated: Apr 29, 2023

During the first days of spring when the weather is warming but still unstable, it's not uncommon to come across a Bumblebee that seems uninjured but is unable to fly.

First and foremost, it's important to remember Bumblebees can sting. Take precautions, especially if you are sensitive to bee stings or have allergies to bee stings. Never try and pick up a bee with your bare hands.


If you decide to try and help a bee, you do so at your own risk.



During the first days of spring when the weather is warming but still unstable, it's not uncommon to come across a Bumblebee that seems uninjured but is unable to fly.


There could be several reasons why a bumblebee is unable to fly. If the bee's wings are not ragged around the edges indicating age or sickness, it is likely that the bee is either cold, exhausted, or unable to find enough nectar to sustain its energy levels.


If you find a bee that cannot fly, you can carefully pick it up using a piece of paper or card, and place it somewhere warmer and safe. As a last resort, you can feed it a 50/50 mixture of sugar and water. Place a drop or two near the bee using a straw or pipette.


It is important to handle the bee with care and avoid using your bare hands as this can harm the bee. Additionally, it is not recommended to feed bees, honey, as this can be harmful to them.


After the bee has warmed up and fed, it will most likely fly off.


While it's great to help bees in distress, it's equally important to be aware of the dos and don'ts of helping bees. Handling bees incorrectly can inadvertently harm them. It's also essential to identify the type of bee you're helping to provide the correct care.


The bumblebee shown in the example is the Bombus Ternarius, commonly known as the orange-belted or tricolored bumblebee.


This species of bee is a ground-nesting social insect found in Canada. Their colony typically lasts only one season.


Tag words, Grounded Bumblebees, What's Happening, Can or Should You Help

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