I have kept bees for about 15 years. Although some seem to have continual problems with the art/craft, beekeeping is quite simple, even though some seem to think otherwise.
With regard to wasps – they are a beneficial insects, and nests should not be destroyed unless they are a nuisance or pose a health risk. Wasps consume large quantities of unwanted pests, grubs, etc, are good scavengers and generally help to balance the environment at bug level.
Bumbles are one of many bee species. They are, like wasps, are 'eusocial', which means they live communally but the colony dies out at the end of their active season. Mated queens overwinter buried in north facing banks, etc (so they don't wake up too early in the spring due to unseasonal sunny days warming them up). Hibernating queen wasps will survive atlery low temperatures – think here freezer temps!
Bumbles will not normally use the same nesting for a few years, so once used any bumble nests put out for th
em should be thoroughly cleaned, preferably left as a mouse home, before using in another position in the garden.
There are loads of solitary bees and wasps out there which are useful polinators (a
s well as flies, etc). An earlier poster was spot on re reduced insect populations. Of late, particularly down to the temporarily banned neonicotinoid systemic insecticides. They kill any species, not just the real 'target' pests. I remember, as a child (and later as a motorcyclist) that on warm summer nights it was like snow flurry, with moths and other insects illuminated by the vehicle lighting. It has worsened much more in latter years due to these new ''improved'' insecticides. IMO, they should be banned permanently, particularly as we do not know if they are truthfully safe, even to humans.
Questions?
Edited By not done it yet on 17/07/2016 13:54:18