Spaced out bumblebees

I keep finding large bumblebees that are slumped on the paving in my garden, obviously a bit worse for wear. They try to fly, but fail dismally, and have a distressing habit of wandering round and round in circles. They don't seem to be using the full complement of legs, either, although they're not missing any bits as far as I can see. They're not hurt, because after a while they do manage to take to the air and wobble off into the sunset.

What could be causing this? I'm finding them near a large jasmine, which is in full bloom and smells rather wonderful. Perhaps it is a narcotic for bees.

 

Hi Claralou

I had read in large quantities Trachelospermum Jasmin can be toxic to bees sorry to say, if possible pick up with a trowel or somthing similar and put them in the sun to help them warm up this may help them recover but left on the soil/floor wont survive the night .

Spruce

 

Thank you, Spruce. Actually, that's exactly what I did and they seemed to be ok.

 

I once put one in a saucer of sugary water, after seeing some eccentric expert on telly saying that's what to do. The poor bee lost its balance, rolled into the sticky solution, and then it was pretty much game over for it:(

 

Put a sponge on the saucer 1st then add the sugar water (no drowning bees).

Remember only use honey from the UK but sugar water is best.

Spruce