Bumble Bee Boxes for Sale – A Complete Guide

Bumble bees are essential pollinators that play a vital role in our ecosystem. Having bumble bees around can greatly benefit gardens, farms, greenhouses, and indoor growing operations. For those looking to attract bumble bees or boost pollination, one option is purchasing a bumble bee box. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about bumble bee boxes for sale.

What Are Bumble Bee Boxes?

Bumble bee boxes, also called bumble bee hives or nests, are artificial housing created for bumble bees to nest in. They aim to replicate the conditions and environment that bumble bees naturally seek out. Bumble bees in the wild nest in small enclosed spaces like abandoned rodent burrows, grass tussocks, wood piles, compost heaps, and old bird boxes. Bumble bee boxes provide a similar protected space.

Why Use Bumble Bee Boxes?

There are several benefits to setting up bumble bee boxes

• Increase Pollination: Bumble bees are excellent pollinators. Having an active colony near your garden or greenhouse will boost pollination rates and improve fruit and vegetable yields.

• Pest Control Bumble bees help control pests like aphids by feeding on their nectar A healthy bumble bee population reduces the need for pesticides,

• Help Bumble Bee Populations: Providing habitat aids bumble bee conservation efforts and strengthens local populations.

• Observe Bee Behavior Bumble bee boxes allow you to safely observe the fascinating life cycle and activity inside a bumble bee colony up close

• Pollination Where Needed: Bumble bee boxes let you place colonies exactly where you need pollination, unlike wild bumble bee nests.

Where to Buy Bumble Bee Boxes

There are a few options for purchasing bumble bee boxes:

• Online: Many online retailers sell pre-made bumble bee boxes, like ARBICO Organics. These are a convenient option if you don’t want to build your own.

• Local Nurseries: Some plant nurseries and garden centers sell basic bumble bee boxes or may be able to direct you to local suppliers.

• Specialty Suppliers: Companies that specialize in bees, pollinators, and agricultural products often sell commercial-grade bumble bee boxes.

• Buy Bees and Make Your Own Box: You can purchase live bumble bee colonies and then provide your own housing using a homemade or purchased box.

Building Your Own Bumble Bee Box

For those who want to DIY, you can easily build bumble bee boxes at home:

• Use a wooden box at least 15 x 15 x 15 cm in size, with proper drainage and ventilation holes covered in mesh to keep the nest dry.

• Inside, provide soft nesting material like upholstery cotton, dry moss, or dead grass clippings.

• Include an appropriate entry hole that bumble bees can crawl through. The hole can lead into a buried tunnel or open into the box.

• Position the box in early spring in a protected, dry spot in or near flower gardens.

• Anchor and stabilize the box to keep it horizontal for easy access. Face the entry hole towards areas bees forage.

For more detailed building plans, see Bumblebee.org’s nest box guide.

Setting Up Your Bumble Bee Box

Once you have your bumble bee box ready, follow these tips for proper setup and placement:

• Timing: Have the box in position by early spring when queens emerge from hibernation.

• Location: Choose a dry, sheltered place near pollen and nectar sources. Face the entry hole towards flowering plants.

• Accessibility: Ensure the box is stable and the entry hole is visible and accessible to bees.

• Protection from Predators: Prevent access by ants who will attack bees. Use hive grease or other barriers.

• Food: Supply a nectar feeder with 30% sugar water to help get the colony started.

• Monitored Temperatures: Bees prefer a temperature between 50-86°F. Avoid direct sun.

• Darkness: Bees nest best in darkness. If the box has a clear lid for observation, cover it to block light.

Caring for Your Bumble Bee Colony

Once bees move into your box, you’ll need to perform occasional maintenance:

• Check that the colony has sufficient undisturbed nesting material and supply more if needed.

• Replace sugar water feeds regularly to prevent fermentation.

• Ensure the box remains dry, sheltered from elements, and secured from predators like ants.

• Avoid using pesticides which can be passed to the colony from contaminated nectar and pollen.

• Let the colony die out naturally in fall and winter. The queen will hibernate and disperse next spring.

Finding the Right Bumble Bee Species

There are over 250 species of bumble bees globally. The species best suited for your bumble bee box depends on your climate and location. Some common commercial species include:

• Bombus impatiens: A North American species that does well in greenhouses and indoor growing spaces.

• Bombus terrestris: Hardy bees that tolerate cooler climates well. Good for outdoor gardens and farms.

• Bombus ignitus: Ideal for greenhouse pollination in hotter environments like Southeast Asia.

Consult local agricultural agencies or vendors to determine which bumble bee species thrive in your region.

The Benefits of Having Bumble Bees

Beyond the direct pollination services bumble bee boxes provide, attracting these bees offers additional advantages:

• Bumble bees pollinate plants that honey bees don’t, like tomatoes, squash, and blueberries.

• Their larger size and fuzzier bodies make them more efficient pollinators than honey bees.

• Bumble bees fly at cooler temperatures and lower light levels than honey bees.

• Colonies are annual, dying off in winter, so populations don’t grow out of control.

• Bumble bees have gentler dispositions and rarely sting unless directly threatened.

Try Bumble Bee Boxes for Better Pollination

Bumble bee boxes offer a simple way to harness the power of these prolific pollinators right where you need them most. Purchasing pre-made nests or crafting DIY bee houses can bring these beneficial insects to your backyard, garden, or greenhouse. A thriving colony will reward you with improved yields, organic pest control, and the chance to observe bumble bees up close. Consider adding bumble bee boxes this season for better natural pollination.