Small Bumblebees in Birdhouses: Native Pollinators, Not Pests

Small, slender bumblebees with bright orange pollen baskets nesting in a birdhouse are likely a smaller Bombus species. They are excellent pollinators and rarely sting unless provoked.

What to Do

• Leave them alone—they’ll vacate after one season.
• Do not spray insecticide.
• Enjoy the free pollination services.
• Next year, clean the birdhouse in late winter before birds return.

These native bees are valuable allies.

Small bumblebee species—gentle and effective pollinators.