Ground bees, such as Mining Bees (Andrena) and Digger Bees (Anthophora), are native insects that use the soil to construct their nests. Although their appearance can concern homeowners, these solitary bees are beneficial pollinators, not pests. Each female works alone to build a nest and provision her young, though they often nest in close proximity. This temporary spring activity poses very little threat to humans or pets, and they are important early-season pollinators.
Identifying Ground-Nesting Bees
Distinguishing between a harmless ground bee and aggressive ground-nesting wasps, like yellow jackets, is important for safety. Ground bees are typically fuzzy and have a rounded, puffed-out body shape designed to collect pollen. They are docile and will only sting if severely provoked, such as being stepped on or crushed. Since they do not have a hive to defend, they lack the aggressive nature of social insects.
The appearance of the nest entrance is a major indicator of identity. Ground bees create individual, small holes in the soil, often surrounded by a tiny mound of excavated dirt. While many holes may cluster together, each hole belongs to a single female bee. In contrast, yellow jackets are social insects that use a single, centralized entrance hole for the entire colony, which sees constant traffic. Yellow jackets also have a sleek, hairless body and a distinct narrow waist, unlike the bulkier bees.
The Seasonal Timeline of Ground Bee Activity
The presence of ground bees is a short-lived occurrence dictated by their annual life cycle. They emerge from the soil in early spring, typically between March and May depending on the region, as soon as warm temperatures arrive. The emerging adults focus on mating and the female’s solitary work of establishing nests. Females quickly dig burrows, collect pollen and nectar to create a food ball, lay a single egg, and seal the cell.
The period during which adult bees are actively flying and constructing nests lasts only four to six weeks. Once nesting and egg-laying duties are complete, the adult bees die off. The eggs hatch into larvae, which consume the stored food and develop underground for the next 11 months, pupating over winter. The cycle repeats the following spring when the new generation emerges.
Coexisting with Solitary Ground Bees
Because ground bee activity is temporary, non-lethal management strategies are highly effective. Since these bees are important native pollinators, they should be tolerated during their brief active period whenever possible. Minimizing interaction is simple: avoid the nesting area during their four to six weeks of peak activity.
Ground bees prefer nesting in areas with dry, sparse soil or thin patches of turf. A practical control method is maintaining a dense, healthy lawn, which discourages nesting. Watering the affected area heavily during their nesting period can also encourage relocation, as they avoid damp soils for their burrows. Since they are not aggressive, chemical pesticides are unnecessary and harmful to beneficial insects.