[kbutler]

That sounds awesome, actually. I'd love to attract bumblebees. I like to watch them, and love the sound they make, plus all the benefits of native pollinators...

Bumblebees are usually not aggressive, though they can sting multiple times (like wasps and unlike honeybees).

[a_e_k]

I have a lavender bush in my front yard. Besides smelling nice to people, bumblebees seem to love it. I often see half a dozen to a dozen at least as I go by. Other lavender bushes in the neighborhood always have bumblebees, too. (And the lavender bush also seems to be pretty low maintenance; it was there when we moved in a decade ago and seems to be thriving while I've just left it alone.)

[bch]

It’s been so long since I’ve been stung I don’t know which hurts more, but it must be noted the reason honey bees sting only once is that the stinger is barbed and hooks into the skin of its victim. The bee might leave, but will not live to fight another day - the bee is essentially disemboweled, as the stinger-attached organ producing/pumping venom is pulled from its guts to leave behind with the embedded stinger, continuing to pump venom into the unfortunate recipient.

[kbutler]

Yes - it hurts you, but it kills the bee. Honeybees don't want to sting you, but will if they need to.

Note also that the "continuing to pump venom" is why you shouldn't pinch a stinger to remove it - scrape it out w/ a fingernail or other item to avoid injecting yet more venom into the sting.

[ianburrell]

Best way to attract bumblebees and other native pollinators is plant native flowering plants. There are non-native plants, like dandelion, bee balm, and lavender that they really like.