Spring is here, and with it come the familiar sights and sounds of nature waking up—chirping birds, buzzing bees, and yes, the occasional wasp.
While the cheerful birdsong might lift your spirits, the sudden appearance of bees (especially the ones making tiny mounds in your lawn) can feel a bit less welcome. Those little “dirt piles” are a telltale sign of ground-nesting bees, which often become more active as the weather warms.
Here’s something fascinating: around 70% of all bee species actually nest underground! Surprising, right? I had no idea either until I started digging into this topic. Sure, I knew a few bees, like certain bumblebee species, preferred to nest in the ground, but I didn’t realize it was the norm for most of them.
Now, seeing all the little holes dotting my yard and the bees busily buzzing around my garden plants (hello, monarda fistulosa!), it all makes sense—and honestly, it’s pretty exciting.
Why? Because ground-nesting bees are pollination powerhouses. They’re vital for keeping our ecosystems healthy and our gardens thriving. So, the next time you spot those tiny nests in your lawn, remember: these little pollinators are your garden’s secret weapon, not an unwelcome guest.
What are ground-nesting bees?
Did you know that bees have been busy pollinating flowers for over 100 million years? That’s a long time to perfect their craft! Out of the 20,000 species of non-parasitic bees buzzing around the world, only a handful are used for agricultural pollination.
These include the famous honeybee (Apis mellifera), along with the alfalfa leafcutting bee, alkali bee, mason bees, and bumblebees. Interestingly, of these hardworking pollinators, only the alkali bee prefers to nest in the ground, even though most wild bee species outside tropical lowlands are ground-nesters.
So, what exactly are ground-nesting bees? Often called miner bees, these solitary creatures dig underground homes, where each queen raises her own young.
Unlike hive-dwelling bees, they don’t live in colonies, although you might find several females nesting close to one another. Their nests are easy to spot—just look for small patches of bare soil or tiny mounds.
But don’t worry, these bees are incredibly gentle! The queens won’t defend their nests, and the males, while they may seem active or even aggressive as they patrol for mates, are completely harmless since they can’t sting.
Here’s a fun fact: around 75% of native bee species in the U.S. nest underground. While some, like sweat bees and bumblebees, are social, most are loners—each female digs her own tunnel, typically marked by a neat little pile of soil.
These cylindrical nests are a marvel of natural engineering! But before you assume every hole in the dirt belongs to a bee, look closely—only a real bee buzzing in or out confirms the tenant. These underground architects are not just fascinating but also vital, as they tirelessly collect nectar and pollen, helping plants thrive.
Why Ground-Nesting Bees Matter
Got tomatoes or native flowers in your garden? Then you’ll want to roll out the welcome mat for native bees! These little powerhouses have evolved alongside native plants, making them expert pollinators for your garden blooms. Take tomatoes, for instance—they need a special kind of pollination called “buzz pollination.”
Honeybees can’t handle it, but bumblebees and other native bees can. Even though ground-nesting bees tend to fly solo, their combined pollination efforts often outshine those of honeybees, especially when they’re thriving in healthy numbers.
Sure, honeybees get a lot of credit—they do pollinate about a third of what we eat—but native bees are the real MVPs, pollinating around 80% of the world’s flowering plants. Ecosystems everywhere depend on them. Unfortunately, these essential insects face some big threats, like pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change.
In North America, things are particularly concerning for bumblebees, which are all ground nesters. Over a quarter of the continent’s 46 bumblebee species are at risk of extinction. For example, the American Bumblebee population has plummeted nearly 90%, and as of October 2021, it’s being considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The good news? Ground-nesting bees are generally harmless and don’t need to be removed. They’re not aggressive and will only sting if you accidentally step on or corner them. Instead of worrying, let them go about their business—most species only stay active for a few weeks.
If different bees take turns using the same nesting spot, you might see activity throughout the summer, but they’re just doing their part to keep your garden (and the planet) buzzing!
Identifying Ground-nesting Bee Species
Ground-nesting bees are a diverse bunch, including groups like mining bees, bumble bees, longhorn bees, sweat bees, and cellophane bees. And trust me, this is just the tip of the iceberg—there are plenty more species out there, each with its own quirks. If you’re a gardener, chances are you’ve already spotted a few of these hard-working pollinators.
Take bumble bees, for example. They’re part of the Apidae family and often set up shop in pre-dug burrows left by rodents or other small animals. These social bees start fresh colonies every year, led by an overwintered queen. Meanwhile, other ground-nesting bees, like sweat bees and cellophane bees, prefer loose, sandy soil with sparse vegetation.
You might notice tiny mounds of dirt surrounding small holes—their front doors! These bees are usually solitary, with each female digging her own tunnel, crafting chambers at the end, and stocking them with nectar and pollen for her offspring.
Cellophane bees, true to their name, line their nests with a waterproof substance that resembles plastic wrap. They’re solitary but don’t mind nesting near neighbors. Sweat bees, on the other hand, can be a little more social, sometimes sharing tunnels with other bees. Then there are mining bees, vital pollinators for fruit trees, who also nest solo in soil.
It’s easy to confuse these tiny ground architects with ants, especially when you see mounds of dirt around their entrances. The big giveaway? No ants! Instead, you’ll find bees, often returning with legs or abdomens dusted in pollen to feed their young.
Oh, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a bumble bee repurposing an old rodent burrow or see a sweat bee squeezing into a nearly invisible entrance. Each bee species has its own unique setup, but together, they play a huge role in keeping our plants thriving.
So, the next time you notice little dirt mounds in your garden, take a closer look—you might just discover a buzzing community hard at work beneath your feet.
How to Create a Bee-Friendly Habitat for Ground-Nesting Bees
If you want to welcome ground-nesting bees to your yard, you’re in for a rewarding experience. These little pollinators need specific nesting spots, but setting up their ideal habitat isn’t as tricky as it might seem.
- Start with Bare Soil
Ground-nesting bees thrive in areas with well-drained, sunny patches of bare soil. Forget about thick layers of mulch—these bees prefer dirt. You can even leave small piles of topsoil or sand in an unused corner of your yard. Just steer clear of clay-heavy or waterlogged areas; these don’t appeal to them.
Vertical banks of firm soil, at least a foot high, are also a magnet for certain species like sweat bees. If you’ve got space, a mix of bare dirt and areas with scattered pebbles can work wonders.
- Don’t Worry About Aesthetics
Sure, their nests might leave tiny soil mounds, but these cause no harm to your lawn. In fact, the nests help aerate the soil, improving water and nutrient flow. Once the nesting season wraps up, rain will naturally flatten the mounds, leaving no trace.
- Protect Existing Nests
If you spot a nest, give it space. These solitary bees are not aggressive and rarely sting, unlike yellowjackets or other wasps. Avoid disturbing the site—skip digging, tilling, or using pesticides nearby.
- Boost Your Habitat with Native Plants
Planting native flowers is a surefire way to attract and support these busy pollinators. Aim for blooms throughout the season. Early in the year, bees might visit salvia and penstemon. By summer, they’ll flock to coneflowers, zinnias, and monarda. Come fall, asters and goldenrods take the stage.
Some bees are picky eaters, relying solely on specific plants like squash or blueberries, so including a variety of native species can help support your local specialists.
What to Avoid
To make your yard truly bee-friendly, steer clear of these common landscaping practices:
- Sprinkler Irrigation: Bees are great at dodging rain, but sprinklers catch them off guard. Muddy nests and obliterated entrances can lead to abandoned homes. If you need to water, use drip irrigation during the day or water overhead at night.
- Weed Barrier Fabric: These materials block bees just as effectively as pavement. Use them sparingly to avoid compacting the soil underneath, which also harms other helpful critters like earthworms.
- Thick Turf and Mulch: Dense grass and heavy mulch layers are no-go zones for ground-nesters. If a nesting site becomes inconvenient, you can gently encourage the bees to move by covering the area with mulch in the fall—they’ll find a new spot next season.
Find out Why You Should Leave Fall Leaves on Your Lawn and Garden
How to Deal with Ground Bees in Your Yard (Safely and Naturally)
Got ground bees setting up shop in your lawn? Don’t worry—they’re usually harmless and even helpful for your garden. These little pollinators play a big role in supporting plants and flowers, but if their presence is causing concern, there are safe and simple ways to encourage them to move along without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Know Your Visitors
First things first—make sure you’re dealing with ground bees, not yellow jackets. Ground bees are solitary and use small holes (about ¼ inch wide) as their nests, with just one bee entering or exiting.
Yellow jackets, on the other hand, are social insects with busy nests where multiple wasps buzz in and out of larger entrances (over an inch wide). Mistaking the two could lead to an unpleasant encounter, as yellow jackets are far more aggressive.
Discover 12 Natural Ways to Repel Wasps (Without Harming Them)
- Water Is Your Friend
Ground bees love dry, sandy soil for their nests. One easy way to discourage them is to simply water the area they’ve chosen. Set up a sprinkler or soak the soil around their nesting spots in the evening when they’re less active. The damp ground will send them searching for a drier place to call home.
Pro tip: If you notice these bees returning year after year, preemptively water the area in early spring before they settle in.
Learn How to Build a Bee Watering Station: Tips and Ideas for a Bee-Friendly Yard
- Avoid Agitating Them
Ground bees are typically non-aggressive and won’t sting unless provoked. Respect their space, and they’re unlikely to bother you. If you must work near their nests, keep movements calm and deliberate to avoid startling them.
- Block Future Nesting
Once you’re confident the bees have moved on, fill the empty holes with soil. This prevents them—or other insects—from moving back in next season.
- Skip the Chemicals
If watering doesn’t do the trick and you need additional help, opt for non-toxic insecticides specifically designed for ground-nesting bees. Always follow the label instructions and apply treatments during the evening when the bees are tucked inside their nests.
Read more about Natural Pest Control: Top Organic Solutions for Your Garden
- A Better Option? Let Them Stay
If you can, let ground bees carry on with their brief visit. They’re only around for a short time, and while they’re there, they’ll work hard pollinating your garden and improving your lawn. Think of them as nature’s little helpers—a sure sign that spring is in full swing.
By taking these simple steps, you can coexist with ground bees or gently guide them to a new location without harm. Either way, you’ll be helping your garden and the environment thrive!
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- How to Attract Praying Mantises for Natural Pest Control in Your Garden
