When to mulch to avoid killing bumble bees?

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When to mulch to avoid killing bumble bees?

by Greenjackdavey
(Dorset, U.K.)

We all know that honey bees are in trouble but also Bumble bees are becoming endangered, with at least two species becoming extinct recently.

Since they nest and overwinter in holes in the ground, when is the best time to mulch to avoid burying them alive and killing them?

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When to mulch to avoid killing bumble bees?

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Dec 30, 2009

Bumble Bees And Answer
by: Kimberly

Hi Greenjackdavey, Kimberly here from landscape solutions for you. What a great question to ask, and thank you for asking the question here at landscape solutions for you. Thank you also Geoff for answering the question and sharing your Web site with Greenjackdavey and other visitors. I think there is a lot of misconception on the bees and the information you provide Geoff on your Web site teaches us all. Greenjackdavey, I hope Geoff has provided you with the answer you were looking for.

Thanks again for asking the question here at landscape solutions for you. Feel free to ask anytime. Have a great day!
Kimberly

Dec 29, 2009

Bumble bees and Honeybees
by: The Bee Guy

Hi Greenjackdavey

I'm not an expert in bumble bees, or mulching, but I agree that it would be a good idea to try to protect the bees if you can. I really believe we need all of our bees.

Bumble bees, unlike honeybees, do not stay active during the winter. Instead the worker bees die and the queen bee hibernates, emerging in the spring to lay her eggs and start a new colony.

I think if you inadvertently covered a bumble bee's hole when applying mulch they would probably be able to dig their way out, so long as the mulch wasn't too deep or packed down too tightly.

I would suggest that if possible you put something over the hole, such as an upturned plant pot, before applying the mulch to keep the hole open. The pot should be large enough so it protrudes slightly above the surface of the mulch and it should have a hole in the base.

If the queen is hibernating in the hole she would then be able to emerge through the hole in the base plant pot in the spring.

For more information about bees and beekeeping go to www.Bees-on-the-Net.com

The Bee Guy

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