someone just sent me this thread... the dead bumblebees you are finding are not unusual - they can die of old age, work, toxins and general pollution, mites and parasites (all bees have particular species that parasite them, plus they have to contend with cuckoo species), gorging on too much nectar from certain trees (especially non-indigenous trees), dehydration, and really hot weather. i have been collecting dead bumblebees for the past 15 years around Peckham and i have actually noticed less dead ones this year! but we are having peculiar weather and its playing havoc with all insect species. just a note - if you want to keep bumblebees really healthy and happy plant lots of flower-rich meadow seed and herbs - its our natural indigenous plants that bumblebees like!
