Some Fun facts about “Ground Bees”
1. They’re Not Social.
Unlike honeybees or yellow jackets, solitary ground bees don’t live in colonies or hives. Each female bee is fully independent, building her own nest and raising her young without workers. You might see many nests clustered together, but they’re individual homes. Common species in Illinois include the Andrena (mining bees) and Colletes (plasterer bees).
2. Their Season Is Short.
Ground bees are active from March to May, when spring flowers are blooming. Females dig nests, lay eggs, and die off by early summer, leaving their offspring to develop underground until the following spring. Andrena species are especially early risers, often spotted before honeybees.
3. They Rarely Sting.
While female ground bees like Andrena and Colletes have stingers, they are extremely gentle. They don’t defend nests and sting only if directly threatened—unlike yellow jackets, which are aggressive defenders.
4. Males Are Stingless.
Male bees, including the Andrena genus, are easy to spot as they patrol nest sites. Despite their assertive flight patterns, they are 100% stingless and harmless.
5. They’re Great Pollinators.
Solitary bees like Colletes inaequalis (cellophane bees) are top-notch pollinators of early spring flowers, orchards, and native plants. Studies from the University of Illinois Extension highlight their critical role in supporting ecosystems.
6. Their Nests Look Like Ant Hills.
The nest entrances are small dirt mounds with round holes, usually larger than an ant hill and easy to spot when several nests cluster together. This is typical of species like Andrena vicina.
7. They Prefer Bare Patches.
Bare, sandy, and sunny areas are ideal for ground bees. Colletes inaequalis is well known for preferring exposed sandy soil and is often found in suburban lawns and gardens.
8. They’re Not a Structural Threat.
Unlike carpenter bees, these ground nesters only create shallow tunnels, around 6–12 inches deep, and pose no threat to buildings, patios, or foundations.
9. Rain Helps Deter Them.
Waterlogged soil deters nesting because bees like Andrena prefer dry, loose soil. Consistent watering and lawn maintenance naturally reduce bee activity without pesticides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are solitary ground bees dangerous?
A: No, they are not dangerous. Solitary ground bees are peaceful pollinators and pose little risk to people or pets. Unlike yellow jackets, they don’t aggressively defend their nests.
Q: How can I tell if it’s a ground bee or a yellow jacket?
A: Great question! Ground bees are usually seen early in spring and are not very aggressive. They make small holes in the ground and are often fuzzy. Yellow jackets, in contrast, are active later in summer and fall, have smooth bodies, and are very defensive of their underground nests.
Q: Should I get rid of solitary ground bees?
A: In most cases, it’s best to leave them alone. They help pollinate your plants and will leave naturally by early summer. If you must discourage them, improving lawn health (watering and fertilizing) can make your yard less attractive to them.
Q: What do solitary ground bee nests look like?
A: Their nests are simple holes in the ground, often with a small mound of dirt around the entrance. You might see several holes clustered in one area, but remember: each hole is a separate nest, not part of a hive.
Q: Can pest control help if I’m concerned?
A: Yes. While we always encourage homeowners to let pollinators be when possible, our team can assess your yard to confirm whether you’re dealing with solitary bees or a more aggressive species like yellow jackets. We offer treatments if needed to make your home safe, so contact us for a free quote!
