How Do You Revive A Poorly Bumblebee?

[plowter]

How do you revive a poorly bumblebee?

There are loads of bumbees that end up in our office or on the stairs.
They're alive but very slow. Can't be the cold, so how do you revive the poor wee things?

[Prudie]

Put them on a saucer of something sweet - honey or sugar water

[pixie373]

Stand on them. They soon wake up.

[Mamyalynne]

http://prettyprettypretty.com/2010/01/05/how-to-save-a-bumble-bee/

[Canary42]

Sugar in a drop of water.

[ladybirder]

Yes, do as Prudie says. But look closely at them and see if they have mites on them as this could be the reason they are not well. If there are, you need to wash them off, perhaps with a spray with water in it. Good luck.

[plowter]

Did think of putting them in a saucer with some sugary water but was worried they'd drown. Also thought of trying to feed them with a syringe. Never realised they'd smell the sugar and help themselves.

Will try to rescue some of the poor wee souls tomorrow and let you know how I get on.

[Canary42]

You don't have to put them in the saucer - just put one drop of wet sugar right in front of them - and watch their little tongue come out and dip into it.

[boxtops]

I'd do that too, put dilute sugar water close to them (very shallow!) - I had a huge one in the living room a couple of days ago, if they don't get regular acccess to sugar they soon go a bit feeble.

[LoftyLottie]

I am glad other ABers look after poorly bumblebees to. I usually mix honey and water for them. It is lovely to see how quickly they perk up. Pixie!! :o(

[flump1]

What a lovely question ! I love bumblebees, I like the shape and sound of them. We were bought up to treat bees with care and respect. I have often seen a bee while I am out and about and wondered what I could have done. Now I know. I always carry water, just need to pick up some thing sweet .

[pixie373]

Sorry, Lottie. I was joking. Animal lover really!

[LoftyLottie]

;o)

[LoftyLottie]

I love them too Flump. I have filled my garden with stuff primarily for bees and birds and the bees have plenty of stuff from March onwards. They are sort of 'cuddly' little beings - daft aren't I!!!

[woofgang]

sugar and water is safer than honey unless you are sure it is English honey and not blended. Blended and Non Uk honeys can carry bugs which while they are harmless to us can kill English bees.

[themorrigan]

woofgang, I thought most honeys bought in the shops were pasteurized?

[boxtops]

I thought it affected all bees - there are certainly less of them in my bee-friendly garden than in previous years.

[boxtops]

Clarion is right - it IS only honey bees https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varroa_destructor

[ruthandsam]

I'm going out to feed my bbs now after the great suggestions. Can't wait to watch them, they are so very beautiful and graceful.......