How to Get Rid of Ground Bees

Ground bees can be a problem for homeowners and gardeners, especially if their nests are near high-traffic areas. While these bees are generally not aggressive and play an important role in pollination, having a large number of them in your yard can be concerning- especially if you have children or pets.

Fortunately, there are several effective and environmentally friendly ways to remove them while ensuring your garden thrives.

Published: February 25, 2025.

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Understanding Ground Bees

Ground bees, often called miner bees or digger bees, nest in dry, sandy soil with little vegetation. Unlike honeybees, they do not form large colonies; instead, individual females dig small burrows in the ground where they lay eggs. Male ground bees do not sting, and females will only sting if provoked.

Common Types of Ground Bees

Mining Bees (Andrena species) – Solitary pollinators often mistaken for honeybees.
Digger Bees (Anthophora species) – Slightly larger bees that build tunnels in loose soil.
Sweat Bees (Halictidae family) – Small metallic-colored bees that sometimes nest in the ground.
Cicada Killers (Sphecius speciosus) – Large wasp-like bees that are intimidating but rarely aggressive.

Signs You Have Ground Bees

Small mounds of loose soil with a hole in the center
Bees hovering low to the ground, especially in spring
Increased bee activity in sunny, dry patches of your yard

Ground bees usually appear in early spring and are active for a few weeks before moving on. If they’re not causing a problem, it’s best to leave them alone since they help pollinate flowers and aerate the soil. However, if their presence is disruptive, here’s how to handle them.

How Many Ground Bees Are in the Hive?

Ground bees are solitary or semi-social insects, meaning they do not form large hives like honeybees. Each female ground bee digs her own burrow in the soil, where she lays eggs and raises her young independently.

While multiple ground bees may nest in the same area, they do not share a communal hive or have a queen.

In some species, a loose colony may develop with dozens or even hundreds of individual nests close together, but each nest remains separate.

This makes them different from honeybees, which live in structured colonies with thousands of members.

Natural and Non-Toxic Ways to Get Rid of Ground Bees

If you prefer an eco-friendly approach, consider these natural methods to deter ground bees without harming them.

Water the Area Regularly: Ground bees prefer dry soil. If you have a patch of your yard that’s home to these bees, watering it frequently will make the area less inviting. A deep soak every few days can encourage them to move elsewhere.
Mulch and Plant Ground Cover: Bare patches of soil attract ground bees. Adding a thick layer of mulch or planting grass, clover, or other ground cover plants will make it harder for them to dig tunnels. This is a long-term solution that also benefits your soil.
Use Vinegar Spray: A mixture of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) can be sprayed directly into the nest openings. Vinegar is acidic and discourages bees from returning. However, this method should be used with caution, as it may harm plants in the area.
Cover the Nest Openings: Once the bees have settled elsewhere, you can cover old nest holes with rocks, soil, or a thick layer of mulch to prevent them from returning next season.
Use Essential Oils: Bees dislike strong scents like peppermint, cinnamon, or citrus. Mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spraying it around their nests can encourage them to leave.

Stronger Measures to Remove Ground Bees

If the bees pose a significant nuisance and natural methods are not enough, consider these more aggressive (but still humane) options.

Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that dehydrates insects. Sprinkling food-grade DE around their nests can deter bees, but it may also affect other beneficial insects.

Soapy Water Solution: Mixing water with dish soap and pouring it into bee nests at dusk (when they are less active) can suffocate them. This method is effective but should be a last resort if other options fail.

Commercial Bee Sprays: If you need a quick solution, there are eco-friendly insecticidal sprays designed for ground bees. Always choose a product labeled as safe for pollinators and apply it carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects.

Preventing Ground Bees from Returning

Once you’ve removed the bees, taking steps to prevent new nests is essential.

Keep your lawn well-watered – Moist soil discourages burrowing.
Maintain a thick lawn or garden bed – Bare soil is an open invitation for nesting.
Apply mulch in vulnerable areas – This prevents easy digging.
Fill previous nest holes – Prevents re-infestation in the same spot.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re dealing with a large number of ground bees, an aggressive species, or if you have allergies to bee stings, it’s best to call a pest control expert.

They can safely relocate the bees or provide a professional removal solution.

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Are Ground Bees And Carpenter Bees the Same Bees?

No, ground bees and carpenter bees are not the same. They belong to different groups of bees and have distinct nesting habits, appearances, and behaviors.

Ground Bees vs. Carpenter Bees: Key Differences

Feature	Ground Bees	Carpenter Bees
Nesting Habit	Nest in the ground, often in sandy or dry soil.	Bore into wood to create tunnels for nesting.
Social Structure	Solitary or semi-social; females dig individual burrows.	Solitary but may nest in groups; each female has her own tunnel.
Appearance	Small to medium-sized (⅓ to ¾ inch), usually brown, black, or metallic.	Large (½ to 1 inch), often mistaken for bumblebees. Males have a yellow face, females are all black.
Aggressiveness	Non-aggressive, females sting only if provoked.	Males may act territorial but don’t sting. Females can sting but rarely do.
Pollination Role	Important pollinators of wildflowers and crops.	Excellent pollinators of flowers, including garden plants and crops.
Common Species	Mining bees, digger bees, sweat bees.	Eastern carpenter bee, southern carpenter bee.

How to Tell Them Apart

If you see bees hovering around wooden structures and noticing small round holes in wood, you likely have carpenter bees.
If you see small dirt mounds with a hole in the center in dry or sandy soil, you likely have ground bees.

Few Final Words

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Ground bees are beneficial pollinators, but if they’re taking over your yard, there are safe and effective ways to encourage them to move along. Whether you choose natural deterrents like watering, mulch, and essential oils or stronger measures like diatomaceous earth and soapy water, the goal is to make your yard less attractive to nesting bees.

Preventing their return with proper lawn care will keep your outdoor space bee-free while still supporting a healthy ecosystem.