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Can you please identify this bee or wasp and is it dangerous #844232

Asked August 04, 2023, 10:26 PM EDT

These small bee/wasps have been swarming in hole in the ground next to our deck. They are very busy and numerous flying in and out of hole in the ground during the day. Can you identify these and should we be worried for our active children. What ways can we kill or if pollinators encourage them to move out of hole and area. Thank you

Otsego County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello,

Those are ground nesting yellowjackets rather than bees. Yellowjackets are not pollinators but they are aggressive jerks this time of year. They will die out on their own over the winter. If you want to get rid of them quickly dump a half cup of Sevin Garden Dust down the hole they are using.

For more see http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/getting_rid_of_wasps_nests

Best regards,

Howard

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Howard Russell, Entomologist Replied August 06, 2023, 3:49 PM EDT
Thank you Howard!  We did do some more research and came to the same conclusion on yellowjackets.  We also found a youtube video that suggested the same solution to dump Sevin dust on hole and we did it about 10 pm last night and this morning only a couple of yellowjackets were seen at hole alive early this morning.  The youtube video showed them digging up the nest.  What do you recommend?  Digging up the nest or just keep it buried.  Will any  larvae remain alive and return next year? 
Regards,

On Aug 6, 2023, at 3:49 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2023, 7:21 PM EDT

Hello,

I don't think you have to dig up the nest.   The larvae are totally dependent on the adults and without them, they perish.

Best regards,

Howard

Howard Russell, Entomologist Replied August 07, 2023, 8:52 AM EDT

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