What Are the Orange Dots on Bumblebees? Bumblebee Mites Explained.

If you've ever wondered what the orange dots on a bumblebee are, you're not alone. They might look worrying, but in many cases they're simply tiny mites hitching a ride...

Have you ever spotted a bumblebee covered in tiny orange, red or brown dots and wondered if something was wrong?

At first glance, it can look quite alarming. The bee might appear to be carrying dozens of tiny passengers across its back or abdomen. It is easy to assume the bee is poorly and needs rescuing straight away.

But the truth is much more fascinating.

Those tiny dots are often bumblebee mites — and in many cases they are a completely normal part of a bumblebee's life.

Let's take a closer look...

Don't panic if you see this! Although these mites can look alarming, they're usually harmless hitchhikers. If a bee is active and able to fly, it's best to leave both the bee and the mites alone.

What Are Bumblebee Mites?

Bumblebee mites are tiny arachnids related to spiders and ticks. They can't fly, so many species hitch rides on bumblebees to travel between flowers and nests. Scientists call this behaviour phoresy (pronounced for-uh-see), which simply means one animal using another for transport without causing harm.

Think of it like catching a bus — the bumblebee does all the hard work while the mites enjoy the journey!

By hitching a ride on a bumblebee, mites can travel much further than they ever could on their own. Once they arrive at a nest, many feed on pollen, wax, nest debris and other organic matter.

Fun Bumblebee Mite Facts

• They're incredibly patient! Some mites can wait inside a flower head for up to 24 hours, patiently waiting for a bumblebee to visit.

  
  

• They're lightning fast! Once a bee lands on a flower, a waiting mite can hop onto the bee's legs or tongue (called a proboscis) and climb aboard in as little as three seconds.

  
  

• They're tiny housekeepers. Once inside a bumblebee nest, many phoretic mites feed on wax, pollen, nest debris and even some harmful pests and parasites, helping to keep the nest cleaner and healthier.

  
  

• Most bees don't mind them at all. Healthy bumblebees can usually continue flying, collecting nectar and gathering pollen while carrying mites.

Are Bumblebee Mites Harmful?

This is one of the most common questions people ask.

The answer is: usually not.

Most bumblebee mites found on British bumblebees are harmless passengers. A healthy bee carrying a few mites can still fly, collect nectar and pollen, and return to its nest as normal.

Occasionally, mites can become a problem if:

• The bee is carrying unusually large numbers of mites.

• The bee is already weak, injured or unwell.

• The mites are feeding on the bee rather than simply hitching a ride.

  
  

Even then, the mites are often only part of the picture rather than the main cause of the bee's problems.

Should You Remove Mites From a Bumblebee?

No.

Although it may seem helpful, you should never try to brush, wash or pick mites off a bumblebee.

Attempting to remove them could accidentally damage the bee's delicate wings, legs or body.

If the bee is active and flying normally, the kindest thing you can do is let nature take its course.

If the bee is clearly injured, trapped or unable to fly, you can still help the bee itself—but there's no need to try removing the mites.

How Can You Help a Tired Bumblebee?

If a bumblebee appears exhausted or unable to fly, you can offer a small amount of sugar water.

To make bee rescue sugar water:

• Mix one part white sugar with one part water.

• Stir until completely dissolved.

• Place a few drops beside the bee.

Never use honey, as it can contain diseases that may spread to wild bees.

If the bee is simply tired, it may take a few sips, rest for a while and then continue on its journey.

If your family enjoys helping wildlife, our Bee Rescue Kit contains everything you need to safely help tired bees while you're out exploring.

The Best Way to Help Bumblebees

The most effective way to help bumblebees isn't removing mites — it's creating a world where bees can thrive.

Children can help pollinators by:

🌼 Planting wildflowers

🌼 Avoiding pesticides

🌼 Leaving areas of the garden a little wilder

🌼 Providing water during hot weather

🌼 Learning about pollinators

🌼 Offer them sugar water if they appear tired or unable to fly

If you'd like to create a bee-friendly garden, take a look at our Wildflower Seed Bomb Kit for Bees & Pollinators.

Become a Bumblebee Detective!

Next time you're out exploring, become a wildlife detective and see if you can spot a bumblebee carrying mites.

Can you find:

🔍 Tiny orange, red or brown dots?

🔍 Which part of the bee they're attached to?

🔍 Whether the bee is collecting pollen?

🔍 Whether it can still fly normally?

🔍 How many mites you can count?

Why not sketch your discovery or record it in a nature journal?

You might be surprised by how much wildlife there is to discover in your local park, garden or school grounds!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bumblebee mites harmful?

Most bumblebee mites found in the UK are harmless passengers that use bees for transport. Large numbers of mites may occasionally stress a weakened bee.

Should I remove mites from a bumblebee?

No. Removing mites can accidentally injure the bee. Most mites are a natural part of the bumblebee's ecosystem.

Why does my bumblebee have orange dots on it?

Those tiny orange, red or brown dots are usually phoretic mites hitching a ride on the bumblebee. Although they may look alarming, they're often harmless passengers and most healthy bumblebees carry on flying, feeding and returning to their nests as normal.

Can bumblebees fly with mites?

Yes. Healthy bumblebees can usually fly, forage and return to their nests while carrying mites.

How can I tell if a bumblebee is in trouble?

Look at the bee's behaviour rather than the mites. A bee that cannot fly, is trapped, injured or extremely weak may need assistance.

What To Remember

So next time you spot a bumblebee covered in tiny orange dots, don't panic.

In most cases, those little passengers are simply enjoying a free ride. By taking a moment to observe before stepping in, you'll be helping nature in exactly the right way.

Sometimes the most amazing wildlife discoveries happen when we simply stop and look a little closer.

Have you spotted a bumblebee carrying mites? We'd love to see it! Send us your photos or tag @NatureNurtureKids on social media.