As spring arrives in beautiful Pennsylvania, gardeners and green thumbs welcome the emergence of beneficial pollinators in their gardens and green spaces.
While the emergence of honeybees may be a welcome sight for many homeowners, it can also be a nuisance for others.
However, one area you may not expect to hear buzzing in may be from the ground and surrounding soil. While digging into your garden, you may begin to discover ground bees and nests throughout the spring before they leave.
You may be inclined to start reaching for the pesticides and get rid of those little residential pests, but you should be careful about dealing with ground bees. Far from being aggressive, ground bees are generally harmless, though they can sting you if you’re not careful.
Here is everything you need to know about ground bees and how to handle them when they enter your Pennsylvania garden.
Watch Your Step: What Are Ground Bees?
First, ground bees are just regular bees that build their nests inside the ground. Contrary to popular belief, not all bees live in hives. Most bees prefer to remain out of sight and nest underground to lay eggs until they hatch.
In fact, over 70% of bees burrow to nest. Most of these bee types are solitary insects that do not live in hives or colonies. Bumblebees are the exception here, as they prefer to live in colonies. They nest in the ground in large holes and work together to survive.
Bees can nest in virtually any type of soil, from your lawn to your garden bed. While it is easy to spot a nest in a tree or on the side of a house, it can be much more difficult to see something that may be right under your feet.
How to Spot a Ground Bee Nest?
Ground bees’ nests can be easy to spot once you know where and what to look for. Since most ground bees are solitary, it’s easy to spot single holes in the ground. The bees will burrow down, leaving small piles of dirt and a large hole in the center.
When the females burrow, they lay their eggs in the holes. After the eggs hatch, the larvae will stay underground overwinter and then emerge in the summer.
How to Identify a Ground Bee
Ground bees come in a staggering number of different sizes and colors, but they are easy to spot. These bees are typically furry and darker than honeybees. Sometimes, they can sport different colors, like metallic green or brightly colored stripes. The most common ground bees you’ll find in Northeast PA are the following:
- Bumblebees
- Carpenter bees
- Miner and borer bees
Bumblebees are social bees known for their fuzzy black and yellow bodies. They serve as crucial pollinators of flowers and plants but are, unfortunately, at risk of extinction.
That’s why it’s so crucial for homeowners to avoid pesticides and chemicals when dealing with ground bees and call a qualified exterminator instead.
Carpenter bees are a little less furry than bumblebees and are easy to spot by their dark black abdomens. Unlike their fuzzier counterparts, carpenter bees are solitary insects and prefer to burrow in wood rather than the ground.
This can lead to wood damage on your property, which can be confused with termites. These bees also serve as pollinators and require special care.
Borer or miner bees come in plenty of variations. They come in several bright colors, from orange to white, and are also solitary insects. Borer bees, in particular, will dig into dry soil to lay their offspring. They tend to build their nests close to family members, leaving your yard vulnerable to infestation if you don’t act quickly.
When Are Ground Bees Most Active?
You may find ground bees in your yard during the early spring as the ground begins to thaw and dry. Ground bees tend to search for dry soil or dirt to burrow holes and lay their eggs in before they hatch in the later part of spring and early summer.
While Pennsylvania enjoys rainy weather that tends to deter ground bees, unusually dry weather conditions can cause an uptick in ground bee nests in your yard or garden.
Are Ground Bees Dangerous?
Ground bees are far less aggressive than other bee and wasp species. In fact, these bees can be docile, for the most part.
In fact, the males of the species are incapable of stinging, though they will fly furiously around you should you get too close to their nest. Females can sting, but they usually only do so if they are threatened or mishandled.
Furthermore, ground bees are crucial to the ecological balance of Northeast Pennsylvania, leaving homeowners with confusing decisions when it comes to getting rid of these creatures naturally and ethically.
Should You Get Rid of Ground Bees?
Before rushing for the pesticides, step back and think for a moment. The benefits of groundbees far outweigh the negatives. These bees serve a crucial purpose as pollinators, which can be great for your garden and other plant life.
Ground bees are also not aggressive, and their nesting is limited to the spring. They can leave just as fast as they’ve come. As long as they aren’t burrowing into your home and someone you live with doesn’t have an allergy, it may be best to leave the bees alone – especially in the case of bumblebees. As endangered species, the goal is not to disturb their nests if possible.
If you are struggling with ground bees and want to get rid of them naturally, contact a local exterminator for help. They offer organic solutions designed specifically for ground bees and other beneficial insects.
Keep Ground Bees Out of Your Yard!
With that said, there are some things you can try to prevent ground bees from forming a nest in your yard or garden. Ground bees tend to seek out dry soil, empty holes, and, in the case of carpenter bees, old, unfinished wood. They will avoid damp areas if they can.
To keep them at bay, simply keep up with your yard. Cut grass often and keep it hydrated to limit any dry soil areas. You can also apply mulch, as this acts as a deterrent for most ground bees. Don’t use pesticides; they will do way more harm than good.
Keep in mind that most ground bees will not stick around. They typically look for a place to lay their eggs and leave on their own. If you’re having trouble identifying what type of bees you have, consider calling a pest control expert to help handle the problem.
Bee Free and Happy
Though we may shiver when we see a bee and run for the hills, ground bees are nothing to be frightened of. Just keep your distance, and these docile insects will go about their business. As crucial parts of the ecosystem, you may be glad to have these pollinators in your garden.
FAQs
What do ground bees eat?
Ground bees feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. They play a critical role in pollination, helping plants reproduce.
Are ground bees aggressive?
No, ground bees are typically non-aggressive and unlikely to sting unless provoked. Female bees may sting to defend their nests, but this is rare. Male ground bees cannot sting.
Why are there so many ground bees in my yard?
Groundbees prefer sandy, dry, or loose soil with minimal vegetation. If your yard meets these conditions, it may attract them. They also tend to appear in spring during their active season.
Are ground bees beneficial?
Yes, ground bees are excellent pollinators for flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Their presence can improve the health and productivity of your garden.
