Hello all, just found a bumblebee hive. Actually seeing them coming and going from beneath my stairs. I have a few questions. Is there anything I can do to have this hive continue/prosper. 2 is there any links to setting up or building a home for these bumbles to expand?
I’m into my 2nd year with my honey bees and are moving along nicely. Thanks
Depends on the species but I believe most abandon the nests at the end of the season. The queens disperse and try to find somewhere to hibernate.
I have a bumblebee nest that is located somewhere around the front of my house, in a new place every year - inside a hole in the concrete steps, behind the stones in the wall, or in a crack in the threshold. Guess my old house has lots of little habitats 
If you already notice these fuzzy friends, you’re on the right track to keep them around!
Hello Jim, thanks for the reply. Any tricks out there to keep them close when they go into hibernation?
Hello Eva, thanks for the reply. Looks like we have similar opportunities with these bumbles. They are fun to have around!
Just give them a little bit of nature and they’ll find a suitable place. Some shelter in nooks and crannies or just under the soil. As with all wildlife, if the habitat is right they will come…
Building on what you said, Jim - it’s good to avoid over-clearing of underbrush and fallen logs etc, too, if possible.