The presence of numerous small holes and buzzing insects in a yard often causes alarm, prompting searches for how to eliminate “sand bees.” These insects are typically solitary ground-nesting bees, such as Mining Bees (Andrena species) or Digger Bees (Anthophora species). Unlike social insects that defend a large hive, these bees are non-aggressive and rarely sting unless handled roughly. While their nesting activity can be visually disruptive, their short active season and role as beneficial pollinators mean that non-lethal deterrence methods are the safest and most recommended route.
Identifying Ground-Nesting Bees and Their Behavior
Proper identification is the initial step, as it determines the necessary course of action. Solitary ground bees are often dark-colored, ranging from one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch in length. They do not possess the slender “wasp waist” of more aggressive species. The most distinct sign of their presence is the nest entrance, which appears as a small, volcano-shaped mound of loose soil with a single pencil-sized hole in the center. Each burrow is an individual nest created by a female, not a shared colony.
The bees observed flying low over the ground are often the males, who lack a stinger entirely and pose no threat. Female solitary bees possess a stinger, but they are only provisioning their own offspring and are highly unlikely to sting. This behavior is in stark contrast to social ground-nesting wasps, such as yellow jackets. Yellow jackets are aggressive, defend their large underground colony fiercely, and have a smooth, bright yellow-and-black striped body. Yellow jacket nests also typically have a less defined, often hidden entrance hole, lacking the neat soil mound characteristic of a solitary bee’s burrow.
Ground-nesting bees prefer areas with specific soil conditions, typically dry, bare, or sandy soil that is well-drained and receives ample sunlight. The female digs a main tunnel with several side chambers, where she deposits pollen and nectar before laying a single egg in each chamber. These bees are active for only a brief period, usually four to six weeks in the early spring. After this, the adults die and the new generation remains underground until the following year. This short life cycle means the disturbance is temporary, and the nest entrances actually help aerate the soil.
Environmental Changes to Discourage Nesting
Since ground-nesting bees are attracted to specific habitat conditions, altering the environment is the most effective and least toxic way to encourage them to relocate. They find dry, loose earth the easiest to excavate, so introducing moisture makes the soil unsuitable for their tunnels. Regular, heavy watering of the affected area will deter nesting behavior, as the moist earth collapses easily and is difficult for the female to work with. Soaking the nesting site once a week during their active season is often enough to force the bees to seek a drier location.
Changing the ground cover is another highly effective long-term deterrent, as bees cannot burrow through dense vegetation or thick material. Planting a dense cover crop or overseeding thin patches of grass creates a thick turf barrier that prevents access to the soil surface. In non-turf areas, applying a thick layer of organic mulch, wood chips, or landscape gravel will cover the exposed earth. The roots of established plants also help solidify the ground, further discouraging future nesting.
These non-chemical deterrents must be applied with correct timing for maximum effectiveness against the next generation. The best time to implement ground cover changes or begin a consistent watering schedule is before the bees emerge in early spring or immediately upon first sighting. Once a female has provisioned her nest cells and sealed them, disturbing the area will not prevent the larvae from completing their development. Continuously discouraging the area year after year ensures that the bees will not return to the same location, as they seek out more favorable conditions for their offspring.
Chemical Control and Professional Extermination
Chemical intervention is typically viewed as a measure of last resort, primarily because of the solitary bee’s beneficial nature and low threat level. If deterrence methods are not feasible, or if there is a severe density of burrows, targeted treatment may be considered. The most effective products for ground nests are insecticidal dusts or granules containing active ingredients like permethrin or bifenthrin, as these penetrate the burrow better than liquid sprays. The product should be applied directly into the entrance hole, not broadcast over the entire area.
Application should be done late in the evening or just before dawn when the bees are dormant and inside their tunnels. This timing minimizes contact with active foragers and reduces risk to other beneficial insects. Following the product label instructions precisely is important for safety and effectiveness, including keeping pets and people away from the treated area until the product has settled. Chemical treatment is a short-term solution and does not prevent new bees from nesting in the same area the following year unless the underlying soil condition is corrected.
Professional extermination is warranted if a homeowner cannot positively identify the insect, particularly if aggressive yellow jackets are suspected. Professionals are equipped to handle the higher danger posed by a social wasp colony and can accurately distinguish between a harmless bee aggregation and a dangerous pest infestation. If a person in the household has a severe allergy to bee venom, or if the number of nests is overwhelming, calling a licensed pest control specialist offers the safest and most efficient solution. Some specialists may also offer safe relocation or non-lethal removal options.