Bumblebees
Bombus spp.
- Group
- Bumblebee
- Risk
- Low danger
- Protection status
- Strictly protected
- Identifying features
-
- Large, compact and covered in dense fur
- Usually black-yellow-white or black-and-red in colour
- Sting used only when extremely threatened or crushed
Bumblebees (Bombus spp.) are among Switzerland’s most important native pollinators and, despite their size, are extremely peaceable insects.
How to identify them
- Body: large, compact, covered in dense fur
- Colouring: usually black-yellow-white or black-and-red
- Behaviour: calm, «buzzing» flight, generally not shy around people
Risk
Low: bumblebees only use their sting when extremely threatened or crushed, and are considered very peaceable insects.
Protected status in Switzerland
All bumblebee species are strictly protected under Annex 3 of the NHV (the Swiss ordinance on nature and cultural heritage protection). Treating them with biocides is illegal. Nests may only be relocated in an emergency and with cantonal authorisation.
What to do if you find a nest
Because bumblebees are strictly protected, we recommend leaving a bumblebee nest undisturbed wherever possible — it is usually only active for a few weeks anyway. In genuine emergencies we can advise you on relocation, which requires official authorisation.