Canon 450D f5.6,1/320sec, ISO400, 250mm. Because they live in small nests bumble bees never swarm - so you can encourage a nest or two in the garden without fear of this happening. Bumble bees do not produce enough honey for commercial use, just a few grams at a time to feed their young Not all bumble bees have a sting. Drones (smaller male bees that hatch in mid summer ) have no sting at all. A bumble bees biggest enemy by far is a man armed with a pesticide spray. Like every other form of wildlife they are under serious threat from the chemicals we pour on the land. Bumble bees are much less aggressive than honey bees. Generally they will not attack a human at all, unless their life is under threat. Don't wave your arms wildly in their presence, stand quietly and once they smell you are not a flower with pollen they will move gently away. Bumble bees do not lose their sting and die if they use it, as a honey bee will. Encourage the bumble bee in your garden or farm and she will repay your kindness by pollinating your flowers, fruit and vegetables and giving you an excellent set on your blossom.