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Ground bee nests near yard #864602

Asked April 15, 2024, 1:44 PM EDT

Hi, In perusing our yard I noticed what I think are some species of ground bee nests on a particularly patchy and sandy part of our lawn. I estimate between 50-100 nests across a stretch maybe 8' wide by 100' long. Most of these are outside of our fenced area but some are inside of the fence. Is it correct that these bees only are around for a few weeks? Ideally I'd like to amend the soil on that sandy area and grow grass there but am wondering if there are any recommendations you would have for a situation like this. We also have a young child who plays near that corner of the yard and I have some trepidation about them getting stung. Thanks, Adam

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

The first thing you will want to do is identify what kind of bees you have. Yes, many native ground nesting bees are only active for a few weeks but if you have 50 or more nests in that area, the nests will still be there. Left alone they probably won’t bother you, but this is not a good location for a child to play. They could accidentally disturb the nests.

 If you are considering amending that area you should contact a professional to come out and advise you on how to get rid of them. Depending on how sandy the soil is there, it may be difficult to amend it and grow grass. You would have to determine this by finding how deep the sand is.  

https://insectlab.russell.wisc.edu/2021/04/22/in-defense-of-ground-bees/

https://beelab.umn.edu/create-nesting-habitat#:~:text=Ground%20Nesting%20Bees,can%20help%20these%20bees%20thrive.

https://northerngardener.org/native-bees-in-minnesota/

Deb Reierson Replied April 15, 2024, 11:29 PM EDT

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