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How to Get Rid of Ground Bees

The Guide to Getting Rid of Ground Bees

When thinking about bees, many homeowners picture beehives with bees buzzing through the air. While ground bees in Maryland can fly, not all bees live in hives like honeybees do.

In fact, a staggering 70% of bee species in the U.S. nest underground.

When it comes to ground bees in Maryland, you might be surprised if you stumble upon a nest in your yard. Homeowners call Brody Brothers Pest Control asking how to get rid of ground bees, and we have some advice to share on this topic.

What Are Ground Bees?

Also known as mining bees and digger bees, they burrow into the ground to nest. Unlike honey bees, ground bees are solitary and do not live in colonies. However, one exception to this is the bumblebee — they are one of the few species of ground bees that live in colonies. They often nest in large holes that are already made by a small animal.

Female ground bees go underground to lay their eggs inside tunnels in the ground. You can easily identify a ground bee nest. It’s a small pile of dirt with a large hole in the center. This is where the female tunnels go inside to lay eggs.

These eggs hatch underground and spend wintertime underground. In the summer, they come back out and the females begin digging tunnels again to lay eggs.

What Do Ground Bees Look Like?

Ground bees come in different sizes and shades of color. The largest species is about the size of a honey bee. The large variation is furry and darker than a honey bee. You may also see ground bees that are metallic green or have bright stripes.

Know that the term ground bee is not coined to a single species of bee. Any bee variation that burrows underground can be considered as a ground bee.

The Good Things About Ground Bees

While you might want to get rid of ground bees, know that there are some positive elements about them.

Do Ground Bees Sting?

First, unlike social bees and wasps, they are not aggressive. Ground bees generally won’t bother you if you don’t bother them. Females have stingers but won’t sting you unless they feel threatened.

You will often see male ground bees out hovering around the underground nests. The males are not equipped to sting or hurt you. The worst they will do to you is chase you away.

Ground Bees Help Gardens Grow

Lastly, ground bees are pollinators. Pollinators are an incredibly important part of the ecosystem here in Maryland.

However, it’s understandable if you don’t want ground bees living underground in your yard. You might have young children around or you can have an allergy to bees. No matter your reason, there are ways to get rid of ground bees.

Should I Kill Ground Bees?

The first point to understand is that it’s not necessary to kill ground bees. These are generally docile bees in comparison to honey bees. Killing them can be a threat to the ecosystem over time.

Instead of killing ground bees, you may call Brody Brother’s Pest Control to remove the nests. You can also try some of the following advice with caution.

How to Get Rid of Ground Bees

We highly recommend against using any type of chemical to get rid of ground bees. This attempt can backfire and potentially cause harm to pets or children.

Safer ways to approach the removal of ground bees include:

How to Get Rid of Ground Bees

  1. Cover the Nesting Holes

    Blocking access to the underground nest is a safer solution than using chemicals. This will prevent the bees from tunneling back inside to lay eggs. Once the bees realize they can’t get back into their nest, they will likely disappear and find a new place to burrow.
    To block the underground nests, you can put items on top of the holes such as bricks.
    If you are allergic to bees, please do not attempt to do this on your own. This option can put you in close proximity to the bees, which can result in stings.

  2. Wet the Soil

    Ground bees burrow their nests in dry soil. The act of watering your lawn can be enough to send the bees elsewhere. You may have to try watering multiple times in order for this method to be effective. Consider using a sprinkler so you don’t have to come in close contact with the holes.

  3. Sprinkle Cinnamon

    Bees might love sugary sweets, but not so much with cinnamon. This spice is a put-off to bees and can help you get rid of ground bees when you’re in a pinch.

    The idea is to sprinkle cinnamon on the holes of the nest. You will need to do this each day for at least one week for it to take effect.

  4. Use Vinegar Spray

    Mixing a spray bottle with equal parts of water and vinegar can help to get rid of ground bees. 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of water can serve as your solution in the spray bottle.

    This can help ward the bees away, in addition to treating for grub worms and fungus gnats.

A Word of Caution on Getting Rid of Ground Bees

If you decide to use any of these 4 methods, there are some precautions to take before moving forward.

When Should You Hire a Professional for Ground Bee Removal?

Removing ground bees in Maryland isn’t always a straightforward approach. Using one or a combination of the natural remedies may or may not be effective. More concerningly, you can get stung in the process which can result in an allergic reaction.

Working with Brody Brothers Pest Control, you can ensure the safe and effective removal of ground bees. This will keep your yard free from the bees while preventing a potential allergic reaction. It will also help you avoid using harsh chemicals to kill the bees.

If you have a concern about ground bees at your ground bees at your Maryland home, contact us today to learn more about professional removal.

How to Get Rid of Ground Bees in 3 Easy Steps – Properly Rooted

Homeowners may find themselves in a situation that leaves them wondering how to get rid of ground bees, especially if they have a garden or yard.

Here are several methods you can apply to rid your grounds of bees safely and effectively.

However, it is essential first to understand these little creatures. What are they, and where are they found? What impact do they have on your garden, and how do you get rid of ground bees yourself?

Contents

What Type of Ground Bees Is Harmful to Your Garden (and You)?

Bees are an essential component of the ecosystem. They aerate your yard and are avid pollinators. Several varieties are considered ground bees, including:

The distinguishing factor is their preferred habitat. Most honey bee species make waxy hives on structures like branches and fallen tree trunks, while ground bees live in underground tunnels.

But when they encroach on your living or working space, you may have to get rid of them. Sweat bees are the most annoying of the bunch because, as the name suggests, they are attracted to sweat and will buzz around you if they infest your yard.

How to Spot An Underground Nest

Species of bees that nest and rest underneath the ground have isolated habitats or live in social colonies. For instance, bumblebees are colonial and are found in swarms, but you will often spot a solitary ground bee.

The first thing you should be on the lookout for is anything indicating the presence of ground bees in your garden. Typically, a couple of bees buzzing around the compound or hovering over a specific spot of the ground would strongly suggest a nest.

Ground bees prefer areas with loose soil. Thus, places with anthills and mounds could be hotspots. Another critical difference between bumblebees and ground bees is that the latter excavates new homes each time they move; bumblebees will use burrows abandoned by rodents like rabbits and field rats.

Remember, if you spot multiple bees flying low and using a single hole to go into the ground, you are dealing with a colony. Therefore, you have to exercise extreme caution. And note that although ground bees are non-threatening, the females have a stinger and are ever prepared to defend their eggs and homes.

After you understand the scope of what you’re dealing with, you can begin looking at how to get rid of ground bees.

How to Get Rid Of Them?

Natural methods

The best natural method is ensuring the ground is damp to discourage the grounding bees from nesting. You can also cover the entrance to the underground nest. You can pour soil or stones to block the bees access to their eggs.

Since bees are attracted to sugary things, you can trap them in bottles. Just fill a bottle halfway with syrup or soda. The ground bees will fly into the bottle and drown.

Strong-smelling scents from plants like cucumbers, cinnamon, and peppermint are natural deterrents. Sprinkling cinnamon on the holes will discourage the ground bees from building a nest on your grounds. Or consider simple DIY sprays like the vinegar spray made from mixing equal parts water and vinegar.

Chemical solutions

Also available are top-quality pesticides that you can purchase from gardening or household stores. These pesticides are available in various forms, such as sprays, dust powders, and liquid form.

Avoid putting the chemicals directly into the entry holes as they might be toxic to the plants and soil. Also, use the appropriate protective gear to protect against accidents.

When to Get Rid of Ground Bees?

If you have children or pets who love playing in the yard, you should get rid of burrowing bees. This helps to minimize the chances of anyone developing an allergic reaction after getting stung.

Ground bees nest during spring. They are occasional visitors, and you may only see them within that season. Spring is, therefore, an opportune time to rid your grounds of bees.

Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Identify the nesting grounds

You have to be sure that you are dealing with bees and not another critter like wasps. Utilize the techniques mentioned above to help you spot potential nesting grounds.

Remember, bees that burrow will prefer dry to damp soil, so look for mounds with loose soil concealing little holes on the ground’s surface.

Step 2: Pick an extermination method.

Out of the numerous options available in the market, select one suitable method that works for you. You can support the Go Green movement and opt for the least toxic pest control solution.

There are numerous natural alternatives like watering and planting aromatic herbs and plants like eucalyptus and garlic. You can also make your pest repellant sprays at home to cut costs.

Step 3: Apply the treatment.

Ensure you are familiar with the right way to apply the extermination solution you choose. For instance, eco-friendly pesticides are applied around the entrance of the little burrow for maximum effect.

After you use the treatment, be a bit patient. It may take a couple of days for the ground bees to clear out.

When Should You Hire A Professional for Ground Bee Removal?

Take, say, you spot a nesting ground of bees near your living space but have no clue what to do or where to begin. You have tried searching online to get rid of ground bees, but you still lack the confidence to carry out the extermination via DIY.

Maybe the resources you require to carry out the job are unavailable or costly. Most people are faced with time constraints, which makes it challenging to perform the task yourself.

If you are faced with any of the above issues, it may be time to call in the professionals. There are tons of pest control companies you can hire. Expert pest controllers have the necessary experience and required tools to guarantee the safe removal of ground bees.

They are also well-updated on the most effective methods to kreep your yard bee-free.

Take Away

Burrowing bees are important to the ecosystem. However, if they are a nuisance, consider learning how to get rid of ground bees may be a viable solution. As soon as you identify a nest, pick a preferred bee control solution, apply it, and wait for the ground bees to clear away.

how to get rid of earth bees in the field, bees in the ground

Content:

  • Practical recommendations and advice for the fight against earth bees

    • Currently, there are more than 20 thousand species and more than 500 genera of bees. The most well-known is the honey bee, which is bred to produce the much-loved honey, as well as other bee products. This genus of bees lives in groups - families, in hives or in hollows of trees. There is also a wild genus of bees, close to ordinary honeybees, but still having its own distinctive characteristics. Their name is earthen bees.

    Earth bees: how to get rid of the yard

    To fight effectively, it is worth "knowing the enemy by sight". Having studied the behavior and life characteristics of insects, it will become easier to remove them from your territory.

    These insects, just like ordinary honey-bearing brethren, live in large families and produce honey, but live in land with a lot of sand, for example, in a clearing or on the edge of a forest, and also, to the chagrin of summer residents, on private land plots. If you pay attention to their appearance, then they have a black belly, brown or purple wings, and abundant fluff on their heads. Paws and head have a reddish tint. The size of wild earthen bees can reach 2 cm. These are fairly large insects with a bright color.

    Earth bees

    This genus lives in tunnel burrows that can go deep into the ground. Usually it occupies a vast territory, since their offspring do not leave their parents, but are placed next to them, near their minks.

    Please note! Earth bees are hard workers and wonderful pollinators. They quickly and efficiently pollinate crops, thereby benefiting the gardener.

    Wild bee tunnels are dead ends, at the oval end of which stinging insects store nectar and lay their larvae. The bees dig a tunnel, at the end of which a special cell is created, which is formed in the form of a circle with the help of bee saliva. Then the cell is pressed down with a sticky substance secreted from the abdomen of the insect. In this cell, earthen bees lay their eggs. The eggs are fed by the nectar they collect.

    There is more than one species of these wild insects;

    Ground bees are quite peaceful creatures, if they are not disturbed once again. In addition, depending on the season, they have a different degree of aggressiveness. Despite the fact that they do not show obvious aggression, they can bring a lot of trouble to the owners of summer cottages, country and private houses. For example, these wild insects, burrowing in large numbers of mink on the site, leave behind a rather unsightly appearance. Insects can interfere with garden work, spoil the appearance of the garden, gnaw on the leaves of plants. They love plants such as cumin, St. John's wort, oregano, sunflower, dill, onion, carrot, celery. They drink nectar from cucumbers. Many flowering plants are an object of close attention for earthy wild bees.

    Please note! An insect sting can cause a severe allergic reaction. It is known that bee venom injected under human skin can cause anaphylactic shock in an allergic person.

    What to do if you get stung? First of all, it is necessary to get rid of the sting that is in the human body. To do this, use tweezers or press your fingernail on the skin around the sting. Then the wound must be treated with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Next, you need to consult a doctor, especially if the insect has stung in the eyes, lips, larynx or tongue.

    Often the owners of garden plots have a topical question: how to get rid of ground bees on the plot? There are different ways to deal with these insects. The most reliable and effective method of getting rid of ground bees will be to contact services that specialize in the destruction of insects. Experts know how to get rid of earthen enemies in a garden or plot forever. Disinfection services will correctly, quickly and reliably destroy any crawling, digging and flying insects using certified chemicals.

    But it is not always possible to contact insect control services or familiar beekeepers, so the question of how to get rid of ground bees has to be decided on your own.

    An insect sting can provoke a strong allergic reaction

    The following ways of getting rid of "unwanted guests" can be distinguished:

    How to remove earth bees from the site: each method in detail

    Earth bees

    Destroying unwanted guests on your site is easy using simple proven methods.

    Boiling water

    Please note! To kill bees with boiling water, you need to take at least 15 liters of water and pour it directly into the insect tunnels.

    If you are not sure whether boiling water is enough, then it is better to play it safe and take more than 15 liters, otherwise the surviving bees may behave more aggressively next time and attack.

    Destruction with boiling water

    Chemicals

    A more effective method, but more complicated than the previous one, is fumigation of the area with the subsequent introduction of chemicals. For this purpose, it is necessary to purchase a special tool - poison for the extermination of insects and a device (smoker). It should be noted that any special preparations and devices must have the appropriate certification. This will avoid unpredictable consequences.

    For fumigation, mink tunnels are treated with smoke. Earthen bees from this procedure become lethargic, sleepy, they will no longer behave aggressively. Next, you need to inject the poison, following the instructions for use.

    The following preparations can be used to kill wild bees:

    Please note! After the treatment, the entrance to the tunnels is covered with sand to prevent the surviving insects from crawling out.

    Fragrant plants

    Among the plants that frighten off the smell of earthen bees, we can name the following: lavender, calendula, basil, lemon balm, wormwood. These plants must be planted on your site in order to get rid of earthen bees in the country.

    Traps

    Please note! A fairly simple method of dealing with "annoying neighbors" will be the placement of peculiar traps.

    For this purpose, it is enough to take bottles, fill them with a small amount of sweet syrup and place them at the entrance to the minks. Individuals that have flown in to feast on syrup will no longer be able to get out of the bottle.

    Digging the ground

    Burning out the earthen bees

    If the burrows-tunnels are not particularly deep, and their lowest point can be reached with a shovel, it is quite possible to use such a method as digging the soil. If the tunnels are deep and cannot be reached, then this method will be ineffective.

    Practical recommendations and tips for dealing with earth bees

    To deal with wild earth bees on your own, you need to take care of the appropriate "outfit". If you do not take measures to protect against insects, then the risk of suffering from them increases significantly. Protection includes a bee net, thick gloves, special trousers and a jacket. Clothing must be completely intact, without damage, and must also fit the person in size so that there are no wrinkles.

    Earth wasps in the dacha - how to get rid of

    It is better to start the application of control methods in the spring months, when the bees wake up from hibernation after winter, and in the evening.

    Important! When planning the extermination of flying insects, care must be taken to ensure that during the "operation" there are no children and animals on the site, otherwise angry bees may sting them.

    Tips to avoid the active spread of wild earthen bees and their stings:

    If flying "neighbors" do not cause problems, then it is better not to disturb them. Ground bees will not attack if there are no serious reasons for this, if they do not feel a threat to their existence and the integrity of their home.

    Recommendation! If, nevertheless, the bees were disturbed and bit the person, it is necessary to take an antihistamine.

    It is possible to rid private property of burrowing insects. It is important to follow the instructions and observe safety precautions.

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    Author:

    Irina Khryukina

    How to breed earthen bees in the country: insect control methods

    The earth bee is a particularly striking species of honey bee. Their main habitat is desert unshaded areas with sandy soil. Most often, these insects are found in suburban areas located along the high banks of rivers or lakes. Earth bees dig a winding and branched network of tunnels underground. The constant expansion of the residential sector leads to the fact that these insects can be increasingly found near residential buildings. Their colonies are found in large clods of earth at the roots of trees, and in ground soil, and even in retaining structures covered with gravel. 9Ol000 - a large and bright insect, its wings are painted purple or yellow-brown, the body itself is black, and the head and legs are bright red. The size of an average individual reaches 18-20 mm.

    For settlements, bees choose soil with a high content of sand. Usually they are grouped into large families, the grown offspring settle nearby, so the area of ​​\u200b\u200bsettlement is constantly increasing.

    For settlements, bees choose soil with a high content of sand.

    Tunnels go deep into the ground, because these bees are excellent builders and hard workers. It is believed that such insects do not attack people and animals unless absolutely necessary, but there are periods when all insects, without exception, are particularly aggressive. And if you disturb them or destroy the dwelling, then nothing will protect them from an attack.

    Earth bee does not attack people and animals unless absolutely necessary.

    Bee tunnels have oval rooms on the sides, which are used for breeding and for storing nectar. In these enclosed spaces, the resulting nectar does not leak out and is perfectly preserved even for years. The walls of these rooms have waterproof properties, which requires extremely painstaking work of insects.

    Mink of earthen bees

    Harm of earthen bees on the garden plot

    Uninvited guests often settle in unsuitable places on summer cottages and occupy more and more area. In addition, they can bite the inhabitants of the site, they are especially dangerous for children and pets, as well as for people who are allergic to bee stings.

    The venom produced by insects when they bite is high in histamine and can lead to a severe allergic reaction. The bite is accompanied by redness and inflammation of the tissues, as well as a slight swelling.

    Edema resulting from a sting of an earth bee

    To alleviate the consequences, the sting must be removed immediately and the wound treated with alcohol or sweetened water. With pronounced swelling, ice can be applied. To avoid an allergic reaction, you need to take an antihistamine. In addition, experts recommend drinking as much water as possible and in no case drink alcohol, as it can enhance the effect of oxins.

    Sometimes when a bee stings a person has to go to the hospital to avoid serious consequences.

    These insects also cause great harm to plants in the garden, nibbling their foliage and thereby reducing, and sometimes completely destroying, the crop. Therefore, the desire to get rid of "uninvited neighbors" is quite understandable.

    Bees spoil the grape harvest

    Insect control methods

    These insects should be dealt with as soon as they are discovered. Of course, it is best to seek the help of professionals. There are special firms that specialize in the fight against any pests.

    But if for some reason you cannot turn to professionals, then you will have to solve this problem yourself. Before starting work, you need to familiarize yourself with some rules and be sure to protect yourself from all possible consequences.

    Chemical methods

    The most effective method of getting rid of earthen bee colonies is fumigating them with a special smoker. In this case, 100% death of all pests is guaranteed.

    It is necessary to purchase a special poisonous substance for the destruction of wild bees and do not hesitate to apply as much of this poison as possible, since an insufficient amount will not kill the insects, but will make them aggressive, which will lead to an attack on people.

    Wild Wasp Killer "Get" can be used. This poisonous substance contains 5% chlorpyrifos, which is enough to treat one hundred square meters of land.

    "Get" - an effective remedy for wasps and hornets

    So, instructions for working with a fumigator and a chemical agent:

    In the morning, dig up this piece of land and plant lavender or lemon balm on it. Insects, especially bees, do not like the smells of these plants, and they will fly around your site.

    Folk ways

    The easiest old way to get rid of earthen bees in the garden is to pour boiling water over them. Typically, a small bee colony requires 15 liters of boiling water. Keep in mind that cold water will not help here, after it the bees survive and become aggressive.

    If the area occupied by insects is very large, then more water will be needed. Don't be greedy, the more water the better. Because it can be quite difficult to get rid of uninvited guests.

    This procedure is best done in the evening at sunset, when all the insects have returned home. BUT you need to be very careful, because it is possible to spoil the root system of plants standing nearby.

    Some experts recommend digging up fresh settlements of wild bees, forcing them to change their place of residence. But keep in mind that the old settlements go very deep into the ground and therefore it is quite difficult to reach the bottom of the tunnel. At the bottom point there are pantries with nectar, so if you find honey when digging, it means that you have completely destroyed the entire home of wild bees. After carefully digging all the ground, you need to fill it with compost and constantly check, because the bees can return and form their colony in the neighborhood.

    Important: you may not even notice the bite, but the consequences will not be long in coming. Therefore, protect yourself by wearing a tight suit and gloves. And keep in mind that it is impossible to get rid of these stinging insects simply by covering their dwellings with earth or sand. In this case, the insects become very aggressive and it will become much more difficult to eradicate them from the site.

    Bee traps can be used. Place bottles of sugar syrup near the entrances. The bees that crawled in there will never be able to get out.

    Safety and preventive measures

    In order to protect yourself from the stings of earthen bees, you need to get a protective suit. This includes a bee net, thick, long gloves, a jacket and trousers made of thick material.

    Keep children and pets away from the area at the time of work. Experienced beekeepers say that it is best to deal with insects in the spring months, immediately after the snow cover has melted and the soil has dried out.

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