Introduction To Ground Bees

Have you ever heard of ground bees? No? Well, you’re not alone. They are called “ground bees” because they burrow into the soil and build their nests underground. While there are often many, many ground bees in any one backyard, the owner of the property is often totally unaware of their existence. Ground bees are sometimes called “mining bees” or “digger bees.” With nearly 20,000 types of bees, there are quite a few types that burrow into the ground.

The term ground bee is a very loose term. Any bee that has a nest in the ground is often called a ground bee. This might include bumble bees and even some wasps. Real ground bees, though, are small, golden-gray bees that one can see emerging from the lawn. They are rarely larger than a honey bee and usually smaller. Ground bees are furry, and usually smaller and darker in colour than honey bees. However, some have bright stripes and some are even metallic green!

These bees are often some of the more peaceful bees of the world’s bees. They are not at all aggressive and it’s unusual for them to sting. One of the reasons they go unnoticed so often is because their nests are often only a tiny mound of loose soil – perhaps an inch high or two high, with a whole in the center. These nests are often found in banks near road excavation but can certainly be found in lawns as well.

This is all that’s needed for a nest to be made for the queen. She, in turn, will make a few tunnels and create entrances and exits. She will also build chambers and lay one egg in each chamber. Before she lays her eggs, the queen stocks the chamber with pollen and nectar. When the larva hatches, it eats the stored pollen and nectar, becomes a pupa, and finally becomes an adult bee. The adult bees will stay in their ground nests during the winter and emerge in the spring or early summer. They will then mate and females will begin their own burrows.

Most ground bees are solitary, rather than being social like honey bees. They don’t stay within a colony for very long. Males will stay around the nest long enough for a mating display, perhaps a few days, and then move on. The eggs hatch in the spring.

Because ground bees are rarely a problem, there’s no control necessary. The mounds don’t last very long and the bees aren’t aggressive, unless they feel that they’re being threatened in which case, they can attack. Sometimes, though, if there are many burrows on a homeowner’s property, there may be thousands of males dancing around in the air, just above burrows, during mating. This can pose a nuisance to the homeowner. If the homeowner really wants to get rid of nests, water from a hose will wash nests away. Since the bees aren’t usually aggressive, they will normally just leave and build a nest elsewhere without attacking the person who is spraying water on their nest.

By: Nancy Ketner

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Nancy Ketner has been fascinated by Bees for as long as she can remember. Beekeeping can be a daunting hobby to start. Understanding Bees and www.beekeepercentral.com/honey-bee-types.html"> Ground Bees as a beginner can be difficult. That is why she started Beekeeper Central as a free resource for others who wish to explore Beekeeping as a hobby or small business venture so people can get the most enjoyment they can from Honey Bees. For more information on Beekeeping come to BeekeeperCentral.com and sign up to our FREE mini Beekeeping Course e-course.