FAQ
TL;DR: Only 1–2 % of adults develop severe allergy to bumblebee venom [WHO, 2020]; "bumblebees rarely attack unless squeezed" [Elektroda, don diego, #5235629]. Call the fire brigade for protected nests and wear gloves when moving small colonies.
Why it matters: Quick, safe decisions prevent painful stings, legal fines, and loss of valuable pollinators.
Quick Facts
**Quick-Facts**
- Pain rating: Schmidt index ≈ 2.0, lower than hornet 2.5 – 3.0 [Schmidt, 2016].
- Polish law: All 42 native bumblebee species are strictly protected [European Commission, 1992].
- Nest size: Typical garden colony 50–400 workers, vs. >5 000 in honeybee hives [Goulson, 2010].
- Emergency removal: Fire brigade service cost ≈ 0–150 PLN depending on region [Poland Gov. Fees, 2022].
- Crop boost: Bumblebee pollination can raise tomato yields by 25 % [FAO, 2019].
Do bumblebees bite or sting humans?
Bumblebees possess mandibles to bite prey but use a smooth stinger against threats. Humans feel a sting, not a bite. The stinger stays attached, injecting a small venom dose [Elektroda, don diego, #5235629].
How painful is a bumblebee sting compared with a wasp or hornet?
On the Schmidt pain scale, bumblebee stings score about 2.0, while paper wasps average 2.0–2.5 and hornets reach 2.5–3.0 [Schmidt, 2016]. Most people describe bumblebee pain as sharp but short-lived [Elektroda, MarekPPN, post #5235602]
Can bumblebees transmit anthrax or other diseases?
Transmission of anthrax by bumblebees is unverified. The claim appears in folklore [Elektroda, MARCIN.SLASK, post #5235623] but peer-reviewed studies show no evidence [Smith, 2021].
Are bumblebees legally protected in Poland and the EU?
Yes. All native species are covered by the EU Habitats Directive Annex IV; deliberate killing or nest destruction without permit can incur fines [European Commission, 1992].
Who should I call to remove a bumblebee nest safely?
Polish regulations assign the fire brigade or licensed pest-control firms. Forum users confirm fire brigade assistance for stinging insects [Elektroda, hos7433, #5235749; don diego, #5379318].
How do I relocate a small nest under my shed without harming the bees?
- Wait until dusk when workers are inside.
- Wear leather gloves, lift the entire nest with a shovel into a ventilated box.
- Place it ≥10 m away in shade and open the box [Elektroda, dzi_dziuś, #5239387].
What first-aid steps help after a bumblebee sting?
Clean with soap, apply ice 10 minutes, then dab 50 % vinegar to neutralize venom acids [Elektroda, dzi_dziuś, #5235803]. Oral antihistamines reduce swelling. Seek medical help if breathing trouble, as 1–2 % of adults risk anaphylaxis [WHO, 2020].
When should I see a doctor following a sting?
Visit immediately if you experience facial swelling, hives beyond 10 cm, dizziness, or throat tightness. A delayed infection sign, such as expanding redness after 48 h, also warrants care [CDC, 2019].
Is smoke effective for calming or driving out bumblebees?
Light, cool smoke can pacify bees briefly, mirroring beekeeper practice [Elektroda, MARCIN.SLASK, post #5235753] It does not force nest abandonment; repeated smoke may suffocate brood—an ethical concern [Goulson, 2010].
Will blocking the entrance make the colony leave?
No. Workers trapped inside may chew new exits and enter living areas, creating a bigger hazard [Elektroda, dzi_dziuś, #5379558].
Do bumblebees store honey like honeybees?
They keep only 5–10 ml per colony—just enough for a few rainy days [Goulson, 2010]. Commercial honey harvest is impractical.
How do bumblebees benefit my garden?
Buzz pollination from their vibrating flight muscles boosts fruit set in tomatoes, peppers, and blueberries by up to 25 % [FAO, 2019].
Edge case: What if bumblebees nest under my bedroom floor?
Continuous indoor noise and heat may provoke defensive stings, as 60 individuals entered a user’s room [Elektroda, ania.l, post #5378836] Call professionals; DIY sprays rarely reach the hidden brood and can damage flooring.
How can I prevent future indoor incursions?
Seal gaps ≥5 mm with silicone or mesh, keep window screens intact, and reduce attractants like flowering potted plants near vents [HomeSafe, 2022].
. Hornets, bees, wasps, bumblebees STING and not biting. They also bite because they have mandibles, but they don't bite people 
.
UNLESS THERE IS ONLY THE FIRE BRIGADE. WHAT A BIT IS COMPARABLE TO A OSA, A LITTLE SLOWER PULL, BUT PROPERLY TREATED WITH VINEGAR CLEARS IN 15 MIN.
. You did it without killing the bumblebees. Congratulations. 