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Wild Bombus melanopygus nest in a bird house
Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey
Help us understand how Urban pesticide use influences bumblebee nest success!
Help us understand how Urban pesticide use influences bumblebee nest success!
Bumblebees are essential pollinators in both natural and agricultural systems, and many species are experiencing population declines. We are still trying to understand the factors that influence whether nests successfully establish and grow.
Bumblebees are essential pollinators in both natural and agricultural systems, and many species are experiencing population declines. We are still trying to understand the factors that influence whether nests successfully establish and grow.
We are recruiting volunteers to host and monitor bumblebee nest boxes as part of a research project funded by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Our goal is to understand how pesticide use in towns and cities contributes to pesticide residues in pollen collected by bumblebees, and how this exposure may affect nesting success and foraging behavior. Even if your yard is pesticide-free, bumblebees forage over large areas and may be exposed to pesticides from the surrounding environment.
We are recruiting volunteers to host and monitor bumblebee nest boxes as part of a research project funded by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Our goal is to understand how pesticide use in towns and cities contributes to pesticide residues in pollen collected by bumblebees, and how this exposure may affect nesting success and foraging behavior. Even if your yard is pesticide-free, bumblebees forage over large areas and may be exposed to pesticides from the surrounding environment.
Your participation will directly contribute to scientific research that supports pollinator conservation and informs pesticide regulation!
Your participation will directly contribute to scientific research that supports pollinator conservation and informs pesticide regulation!
What is involved?
What is involved?
Volunteers will:
Volunteers will:
- Host a bumblebee nest box on their property (ideally in a yard or garden) starting this October-November 2026
- Check the box once per week (~5 min)
- Report nest box activity using a short online form
- Optionally upload pictures of activity
- Give my research team access to the nest box after activity starts for periodic data collection and landscape surveys
That's it! No bee-handling or special equipment required.
That's it! No bee-handling or special equipment required.
Participants will not be asked to apply pesticides, change current yard practices, or disturb nests.
Participants will not be asked to apply pesticides, change current yard practices, or disturb nests.
Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey
Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey
faq
faq
How long will I have to host a nest box?
How long will I have to host a nest box?
It depends! Our target species nests a bit earlier than others, so we anticipate nest initiation to occur between November-March, workers to emerge January-May, and nests to finish anywhere between March-July. For more information on nesting please visit this website.
It depends! Our target species nests a bit earlier than others, so we anticipate nest initiation to occur between November-March, workers to emerge January-May, and nests to finish anywhere between March-July. For more information on nesting please visit this website.
Who can participate?
Who can participate?
You may be a good fit if you:
You may be a good fit if you:
- Love bees :)
- Live within a 30 mile radius of Davis, CA
- Have access to outdoor space (yard, garden, or natural area)
- Can commit to brief weekly checks
Will the bees be aggressive?
Will the bees be aggressive?
Bumblebees are generally non-aggressive and rarely sting unless directly disturbed. Nest boxes are designed to minimize contact.
Bumblebees are generally non-aggressive and rarely sting unless directly disturbed. Nest boxes are designed to minimize contact.
What if no bees use my box?
That is valuable data! Not all boxes will attract nests, and that information helps us understand habitat suitability.
What if no bees use my box?
That is valuable data! Not all boxes will attract nests, and that information helps us understand habitat suitability.
What if I need to withdraw?
Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time.
What if I need to withdraw?
Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time.
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