We often find grounded bumblebees in the garden and, like most people, our initial response is one of concern. We feel we must help!
Before “rescuing” the little thing, it is worth noting that like most animals, bumblebees sometimes just get a little tired and need a rest. We’ve read this is especially true for newly emerged queens. So first of all, don’t jump to conclusions. Ask yourself, “Is it in any immediate danger?” This is particularly important if you are just walking by and not able to hang around for very long. For example, if it’s on a footpath and likely to be trampled, then you can, if you’re comfortable doing so, use a large leaf or twig (they can grip very well) and transport it to somewhere safe. Ideally, a large flower head.
If it’s in no obvious danger but you are passing by, then ask yourself, “Are there any obvious reasons for a bumblebee to be grounded?” For example, are you in the midst of a drought or heat wave, or has there just been a very heavy downpour? If so, then we would again suggest moving the little thing to a nectar source if there is one nearby. If the bumblebee has been damaged or attacked, then you could move it, but there probably isn’t much else you can do. You may need to be patient, and common sense should be applied to situations where the bumblebee doesn’t react as you hope. You don’t want to damage the poor thing; it may be better to leave it alone.
Ideally, you will be in a situation to hang around, perhaps you have found it in your garden, or perhaps you’re happy to wait a while. If so, then just see what happens. Hopefully, it is just resting and will fly off of its own accord. If, after 45 minutes, it hasn’t moved, then we would recommend moving it to a nectar source such as a large flower head.
We tend to find umbellifers are best, such as Wild Carrot, Yarrow, or Cow’s Parsley, but most wildflowers will do, thistles are usually plentiful. The Buff-tailed Bumblebee Queen filmed below was grounded for nearly an hour before we decided it needed help, especially as it had been very hot in the days leading up to finding her. She allowed herself to be moved and was soon drinking from the numerous flowerets of a nearby Yarrow plant.
Sugar Water: Well, firstly, who actually carries this stuff around? So if you’re on a walk, this is unlikely to be an option for you. However, if you are at home, then as a very last resort, i.e., you have no natural nectar sources available, then you could mix up a spoon of sugar water if, after waiting, you feel there is a problem. Only use white sugar (brown is too rich for them) and never use honey, as it can contain pathogens. A 50/50 mix of white sugar and water, offered to the bumblebee on a spoon, is ideal.
All being well, you have either left a healthy bumblebee alone or potentially helped one out that was in a spot of bother. If you are fortunate enough to have a garden, patio, balcony, or window box, then you may want to add some colour by growing some native wildflowers. Bumblebees will feed on the pollen and nectar these produce, the more people who provide this resource, the better.
Wildlife Garden 