Ground bees are solitary insects that play a significant role as pollinators. Each female bee constructs her own nest underground, often leaving small mounds of soil on the surface. While beneficial, disturbed soil with signs of digging is a common homeowner concern, frequently caused by animals searching for these underground nests.
Animals That Dig for Ground Bees
Skunks are frequent culprits, using their strong forelimbs and sharp claws to dig for a variety of insects and grubs, including ground bee larvae. These nocturnal omnivores have an excellent sense of smell that aids them in locating buried food sources.
Raccoons, also nocturnal omnivores, possess highly dexterous front paws. They utilize these to search for insects, grubs, and other small invertebrates found in the soil. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various environments, including residential areas where food sources like ground bee nests can be readily available.
Badgers are powerful diggers that target ground bee nests, particularly for the larvae. They create distinctive “snuffle holes” as they forage, often during the spring when larvae are abundant. Armadillos are insectivores that consume insects and other invertebrates found in soil. Their powerful claws are well-suited for digging burrows and unearthing ground bee nests.
Why Animals Target Ground Bees
Animals digging up ground bee nests are not typically interested in the adult bees themselves. Instead, their motivation stems from the nutritional value found within the nests. These animals are seeking the protein-rich larvae and pupae developing within the underground cells, along with the stored pollen and nectar, often referred to as “bee bread.”
Ground bee nests represent a concentrated and accessible food source for these animals. This food source is particularly appealing during late summer and fall when ground bee larvae are abundant. The stored provisions within the nest also offer a valuable energy reserve, making them a prime target for opportunistic feeders.
Identifying the Animal by Digging Signs
Specific patterns of disturbed soil and other clues can help identify which animal is responsible for digging up ground bee nests. Skunks typically leave small, cone-shaped holes, often 3 to 4 inches in diameter, or patches of upturned earth. Their presence may be indicated by a musky odor or five-toed tracks with visible claw marks.
Raccoon digging often results in small to medium-sized holes, uprooted plants, and uneven turf. They may scatter large, ripped chunks of sod around the disturbed area. Raccoon tracks distinctively resemble small human hands, showing five long, thin fingers and claw marks.
Badgers create conical holes known as “snuffle holes,” sometimes accompanied by triangular spoil heaps. Badger paw prints feature a kidney-shaped pad with five toes, which may or may not show distinct claw marks, depending on the ground.
Armadillos dig holes that are typically 3 to 5 inches wide and a few inches deep, often with chunks of soil scattered nearby. They may also uproot plants and leave “nose prints” in loose soil from their snouts. Armadillo tracks are generally small and circular, providing another clue to their activity.
Managing Animal Activity
Several humane strategies can deter animals from digging up ground bee nests. Making the area less attractive to digging animals is an approach. Ground bees prefer dry, exposed soil for nesting, so maintaining a well-watered lawn and covering bare patches with dense turf, plants, or mulch can discourage their presence.
Removing potential food sources also helps deter animals. Securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids and avoiding leaving pet food outdoors can reduce the appeal of your yard. Cleaning garbage bins periodically with bleach can also eliminate enticing food smells.
Deterrents like motion-activated lights can startle nocturnal animals, though they may adapt over time. Pairing these lights with sound effects can increase their effectiveness. Scent-based deterrents, such as garlic, cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, mint essential oils, or citrus peels, can be applied around affected areas, though reapplication after rain is often necessary. Physical barriers, like landscape fabric covered with mulch or gravel, can also make an area less appealing for digging. It is important to remember that ground bees are beneficial pollinators, and their presence, along with animal foraging, is a natural part of the ecosystem.