We all know that pollinators are crucial to the ongoing health of our planet, and to the security of our delicious organic food! At this time of year it is quite common to see a bumblebee on the ground, looking like it might be in trouble. However, it is not always a sign of concern and the following advice from the bumblebee conservation trust is a really practical list of actions to make sure you act in the best interest of the bee!
- Research shows that it is totally normal for bumblebees to rest for up 45 minutes. Leaving them alone is the best thing to do unless they are at risk of being squashed.
- Allowing them rest, and providing areas of long grass and undisturbed leaf litter so they have safe places to pause is the best thing you can do to help them. If you find a bumblebee resting in a place where it might get squashed, and it’s safe for you to do so, you can gently move it to a more sheltered location or on to a nearby bee-friendly flower.
- Any longer than 45 mins of resting may indicate that the bee needs some help. In which case, move it to some bee friendly flowers – a nearby dandelion can be a life saver.
- Only in the situation where there aren’t any flowers around should you then resort to tiny bit of sugar water. Make sure it is a 50/50 mix made with white sugar, on a spoon, cotton bud or shallow lid. If the bee does need a sugar hit, it will stick out its tongue for a sip. It’s really important not to stand the bee in the solution or it could get sticky. You should never give it honey because honey can contain pathogens which might make the bumblebee ill.
