Underground Bees: Who Are They?

Because we had an early dry spring it means we will have an increase in insects and pollen that will be coming out earlier and with extra strength.  For those of you with allergies you are probably already aware of the pollen increase this year compared to this time last year; and unfortunately it’s just the start! We will also be seeing more insects and also different types of insects that we normally wouldn’t see; like for instance the Mining Bee’s that many people have come across this season. 

These bee’s, also known as digger bees, nest in burrows in the ground wherever there is exposed soil and good drainage. Although they tend to resemble honey bees because of their similar size and colors, they are actually quite different. Unlike honey bees, mining bees are solitary and do not form large, socially organized nests, instead each mining bee female digs her own individual burrow to rear her own young. Even though they don’t live in the same nest, if the soil is good they will create numbers of nests near each other.

Mining bees tend to come out during early spring and this is why we aren’t used to seeing them because most years’ people aren’t outside working on their lawns this early. The great news is these bees are not aggressive and they seldom, if ever, sting. The best thing is to just leave them be but if you must be in the area where they have taken residence there are a few ways you may try to manage them. Since they don’t like wet conditions you can regularly water the ground in early spring to deter them from settling in the area. You may also want to try mulching the soil to keep moisture in, which will deter them from sticking around.

If you have any other questions about these bees or any more information you would like to share, feel free to comment on this blog or find us on Facebook and let us know!