A pollen-storer. Nests are invariably established in holes in the ground. A nest has also been found in a cavity in a stone wall (G.M. Spooner pers. comm.). The wax is dark brown and, according to Sladen (1912) the cocoons are only loosely connected to one another, the clusters being indistinct. Colonies are frequently large, exceeding two hundred workers, and the latter pugnaciously defend the nest should this be disturbed (they freely sting anything that approaches it). Occupied nests are illustrated by Sladen (1912), Free & Butler (1959) and Alford (1975).
Djegham et al. (1994) note that colony foundation and egg laying by B. terrestris are clearly facilitated by the odours of the Common Vole (Microtus arvalis).