Ground bees are particularly stubborn bees and it’s easy to step on one while you’re outside! Because of this, if you have them, you might be wondering how to get rid of ground bees.
Ground bees make their nests in the ground rather than in a high place. There are about 70% of different types of bees that nest underground in the United States alone.
The good news is that ground bees aren’t usually as aggressive as other pests like hornets. Still, they can serve as a nuisance.
These are a few different ways you can get rid of ground bees.
Removing Ground Bees Safely
You have a few different options when it comes to how to get rid of bees in the ground. However, it’s worth noting that these insects aren’t just a problem for homeowners.
Even though they might be a little different from your average honeybee, they’re still pollinators. This means that they play a crucial role in their ecosystem.
Consequentially, it’s ideal to opt for a non-lethal method for how to get rid of bees nest in the ground. This way, you can rid your yard of ground bees without harming the bee population.
Even if you opt for a lethal method for the bees, it’s best to use natural or organic ingredients. Introducing compounds like chemical insecticides can negatively impact the environment.
Will Ground Bees Sting You?
When it comes to getting rid of any bee in your yard, you need to know the danger level. In other words, are ground bees going to sting you?
Well, it depends. For example, the males of the species won’t sting you but they can effectively swarm you if they feel threatened.
The females in the species will sting, though. Yet, the female ground bees will only sting when they’re provoked to a reaction.
Unfortunately, disturbing their nest is an easy way to put the bees on the attack. There are some measures you can take to reduce your chances of getting stung.
First, wear protective clothing. Long sleeves, pants, and thick gloves will help make sure the bees can’t reach your skin to sting you.
Another tip is to do anything that could disturb the nest at night. This is when the bees rest and they’re less likely to have a swift and aggressive reaction to you.
If you’re allergic to bees, you should probably have someone else handle the removal or replacement process. There’s a chance the bees will react and trigger an allergic reaction.
1. Water Your Lawn
It might sound odd but you can drive ground bees away by simply watering your lawn. Ground bees like to burrow in dry soil, so they’ll leave if the soil is too wet.
It’s important to note that you probably won’t see results right away. It can take a few times of watering the area for the bees to leave.
While ground bees aren’t the most aggressive species, it’s still a good idea to stay back. That’s why a sprinkler can help you out here a lot instead of watering the area by hand.
On top of that, using a sprinkler can help save you time and partially automate this process. This is helpful for a method that requires you to water the ground regularly and thoroughly.
2. Using Plants to Get Rid of Ground Bees
Interestingly, you can keep certain plants in your yard to help prevent bees from burrowing there. If you plant them once they’re already there, the plants are likely to drive the bees away.
For those interested in growing herbs, try planting peppermint or eucalyptus plants. Bees aren’t a fan of these scents and will avoid them.
Related: Best Flowers for Bees and Butterflies
Another option is to ensure that you have a thick, vibrant lawn. A dense layer of grass will make it harder for bees to burrow, leading them to find another home.
These options also offer the benefit of a natural solution that will make your yard more vibrant as well.
3. Using Mint to Get Rid of Ground Bees
While bees tend to love sweets, there are certain things that we associate with sweets that bees hate. One example of this is mint.
You can create your own mint spray to repel ground bees too. All you need is two cups of peppermint Castile soap and two cups of water.
Put your soap and water in a pan and bring it to a boil. Once you’ve done that, let it cool and then you can put it in a spray bottle for deployment.
You can use this spray in one of two ways. It works on individual bees as well as sprayed on the entrance of the underground nest.
4. Using Cinnamon to Get Rid of Ground Bees
Like mint, bees aren’t particularly a fan of cinnamon either. This makes it a great natural choice to help drive ground bees out of the area.
You can make a cinnamon spray as we suggested with the mint. Alternatively, you can take the easier route and use the powdered cinnamon in your spice cabinet.
Sprinkle your cinnamon on the entrance to the nest. This method does take some time, though.
To see the best results, make sure to repeat this process once a day for about a week. Sometimes, you may even need to slightly extend that period until the bees are no longer around.
5. Using Vinegar to Get Rid of Ground Bees
Stepping away from smells we find pleasant that bees hate, you can opt for vinegar as well. Vinegar actually has quite a few uses in your yard, including getting rid of other pests like aphids.
Using pure vinegar is a little too harsh, though. It’s better to dilute the vinegar at a 1:1 ratio with water.
For this purpose, you can mix equal parts water and vinegar and a spray bottle by shaking them together. Then, you can spray the mixture on the nest and where the bees spend time.
It’s crucial to note that this is likely to anger the bees. So, it’s a good idea to put on some protective gear to prevent stings.
It also helps to tackle this job at night. Ground bees are less active at night, meaning they’re less likely to react as strongly to a nighttime attempt.
6. Using Moth Balls to Get Rid of Ground Bees
Many of us recognize moth balls by their familiar smell. Yet, they’re useful for more than just keeping your clothes intact.
By using moth balls correctly, you can rely on them to get rid of ground bees. Simply tossing them on the ground where the nest is probably isn’t the most effective way to approach the problem.
Instead, put your moth balls in a mesh bag and hang them up near the nest. To make sure that the moth balls are close enough to the nest, you can use a garden hanger.
This method is non-lethal to the ground bees too. The scent that the moth balls give off will just convince them to leave and make a home elsewhere.
7. Creating a Trap for Ground Bees
Another option you have is to create a trap that will attract ground bees. However, this is better for capturing individual bees rather than getting rid of an entire nest.
For this, you’ll need an empty two-liter bottle, something sweet, and a pair of scissors. For the sweet liquid, fruit juice or soda will work wonders.
Start by using your scissors to cut the top of the bottle off. You should cut it where it starts to taper, giving you a primary cylinder and a funnel.
Put some fruit juice or soda in the main part of the bottle. Then, replace the top of the bottle upside down.
This will attract bees in but they’ll get trapped once they enter. This means yo
8. Trapping the Bees in Their Nest
Obviously, this isn’t a non-lethal method to get rid of ground bees in your yard. Still, it’s a viable option that doesn’t call for any chemicals.
It’s also a rather simple way to handle ground bees where you don’t want them. All you need to do is find the entrance to the nest.
Once you find the opening, cover it up with a heavy material that the bees won’t get through. This can include putting concrete in the burrow or just cover the entrance with a stone or brick.
9. Call a Pest Removal Service
If you’re interested in preserving the bees’ lives, you can have the bees removed. If you aren’t sure how to do this, though, it’s better to hire a professional.
Since you are hiring a service for this task, it does come at a cost. On the other hand, it takes the work out of your hands and offers a professional perspective.
It’s important that if this is what you want to do, you should double-check with the service you hire. Make sure that they’re removing the bees rather than exterminating them to ensure the bees aren’t harmed.
