Do some types of bees live underground?

Question

In my garden, there is one small area that tens of bees have been hovering around for the last few days. They are a more pale color than regular bees. And I have seen a few land and enter holes in the ground. Also, should I get rid of them? I have children and pets. And if so...how?

Answer 1

The group name "mining bee" is applied to the members of at least two different families -- the halictid and andrenid bees. The females in these families dig 1/4 to 1/2 inch diameter, cylindrical tunnels in shady areas where vegetation is sparse and the soil is loose. The females construct chambers at the end of the tunnel and provision them with nectar and pollen, the food of the offspring. Sweat bees are a familiar member of the "mining bee" group. Other members are similar in appearance, though slightly larger.

In most situations it will not be necessary to eliminate ground-nesting bees. If the insects can be ignored and their tunnels tolerated, do so. However, if the slight threat of being stung justifies control (as on playgrounds or in oft-tended flower beds) a simple control procedure is available. The recommended treatment for ground-nesting bees (and wasps) is to wait until evening and dust the tunnel and surrounding area with Sevin dust. Other lawn or garden insecticide sprays can also be used, but dusts have the advantage of not soaking into the soil. Repeat treatments may be needed. If you wish, the tunnels can be covered with a shovelful of dirt.

Answer 2

There are lots of varieties of bees that live underground. I can't tell you how many times I've been cutting wood or something and gotten stung by these little bastards. Here are two ways that I've gotten rid of them from my flower beds, etc. First, if their hole is away from your house, shed, etc take a cup full of gas and dump it down the hole and quickly light it. This will incenerate the bees and problem solved. Another method you can use that is a little more time consuming is to exactly locate where the bees are flying in and out; go to the store and get yourself two cans of bee killer (the kind that shoots 10 or 20 feet). Next, take a large shovel full of loose dirt and throw it directly over the hole which will prevent the bees from coming or going. Next, you will see bees flying back to where the hole in the ground use to be. Take the bee spray and spray them one at a time as they come back and if you do this for about an hour you'll probably kill about 30 or 40 bees. If you stay fairly still, the bees will more or less ignore you trying to find their hole. Then take a few more shovel fulls of dirt and throw it over the hole and that should prevent them from coming out of the ground. Keep your eyes peeled however, as they may have two or three other entrance/exit holes. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

What is a "regular" bee? I have a number of bee species in my yard at any given time and they've never bothered me, my children or my pets.

It could be a mud bee or a bumblebee.

Just don't stomp up and down around the holes. These guys are pollinators, they're cool to watch and it would be a great life lesson for your kids.

Answer 4

Don't confuse yellow-jackets with bees, they are actually wasps.
YES, bumble bees usually nest in the ground. They also make honey, but not in honeycombs and it is not practical to harvest it.

Answer 5

I think yellow jacket bees live underground. Maybe others, too. Also, maybe insects resembling bees may also live underground. I don't know how to get rid of them, however, sorry. Good luck.

Answer 6

I know that in Louisiana we have ground bees . My husband used to mow over nests, not even knowing they were there.

Answer 7

They are yellow jackets, and they will eat you up. I live in the woods, we wait till dark, when they all go in to the nest, then spray the wasp/yellow jacket killer till we know they are gone.,

Answer 8

are the bees longer than usual bees and not as furry and dont have wings, cause theys worms my friend.

Answer 9

yes they do bee leave it