Quck answer
Ground-nesting bees are a type of solitary bee that live alone rather than in a hive or colony. They nest in the ground, digging tunnels and laying their eggs inside. Unlike social bees, they do not produce honey or have a queen.
Many ground-nesting bees are also stingless and pose little threat to humans or animals. However, some species can sting if provoked or threatened.
Ground-nesting bees play an important role in pollinating flowers and crops. They are also important indicators of soil health and biodiversity. It is important to protect their habitat and avoid using pesticides that can harm them.
Wild Animals
Contrary to popular belief, most of the bee population in North America consists of solitary species, and around 70% of them reside underground. (CC BY 2.0) Jean and Fred/Flickr
When we think of bees, we usually imagine honey-making hives led by a queen, known for their stings. However, not all bees are the same; just like there are different types of rodents, the world is home to approximately 20,000 unique bee species, each with their own characteristics. These insects are crucial pollinators, with eusocial bees such as the western honey bee being the most common. These bees are used in industrial agriculture to pollinate crops and increase yield.
Nonetheless, the majority of bees on the planet are not honey bees; in fact, only a few species exist worldwide. However, every continent has its own native bees, which occupy most spots on the planet, from the Arctic regions to deserts, tropical forests, grasslands, and most places in between. In North America, there are approximately 4,000 species, with new ones constantly being discovered. Surprisingly, most bees are solitary, meaning that each mother bee provides for her own nest, and around 70% of native bees live underground.
“Solitary bees can be compared to hard-working single mothers, tirelessly working to provide pollen and nectar in the form of small loaves for their young,” says Clay Bolt, a natural history and conservation photographer who specializes in native bees.
Nesting Underground
Ground-dwelling bees prefer different types of soil, but they usually nest in dry, hard-packed areas similar to those of an ant’s nest.
“They are often seen along the sides of paths or bare patches of soil that most people take for granted,” says Bolt. “They can also nest under leaves, which is why homeowners should leave a pile in their yard, or in decomposing wood. Most bees do not destroy wood or make cavities in it, but instead use existing insect burrows.”
A solitary bee’s nest is a 6-inch (15-centimeter) tube dug into dry soil by a female bee. Nesting underground poses several challenges such as predators, moisture, flooding, intense heat, over-wintering, disturbances by humans, vehicles, and other large animals, and pesticides. To tackle these issues, ground-dwelling bees have developed various methods to protect their young. For instance, bees line their nests with hard-packed soil, cut leaves, and chewed flower petals. One genus of ground-dwelling bees is called “cellophane bees” because they paint their nest walls with a clear, waterproof substance. Regardless of the material used, the nest lining serves to keep the young dry and preserve the nest’s structure.
Ground Nesting Bees are Often Harmless
Bees are usually associated with stinging, leading to attempts to remove them or wasps from our homes. However, ground nesting bees pose no danger. Solitary bees are very small and cannot sting, or their venom is too weak to cause harm.
According to Bolt, solitary bees are unlikely to sting. Honey bees are the most aggressive due to their need to defend their hive. In contrast, solitary bees have more to lose if they sting, as they could die in the process. Males, which are often seen near solitary bee nests, cannot sting.
Ground Nesting Bees and Your Lawn
It is challenging for solitary bees to survive in a world of well-manicured lawns. Homeowners often view them as nuisances and use pesticides to eliminate them, putting their already dwindling populations at risk.
It is important to note that these bees pose little threat to lawns and turf. Activities such as mowing, playing, and picnicking can continue as usual. However, if there are many nests in an area, it may be best to avoid that spot for a month or two while they are nesting. Instead of using pesticides to deter them, heavy watering can encourage them to move to another location.
Now That’s Interesting
Only female bees have stingers, as it is a modified egg-laying organ.
FAQ
1. What are ground-nesting bees?
Ground-nesting bees are a type of solitary bee that usually make their nests in the soil. These bees do not live in hives or colonies like honeybees and do not have a queen bee. They are often smaller than honeybees and have a more round or elongated body shape.
2. What do ground-nesting bees eat?
Ground-nesting bees feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. They play an important role in pollinating plants and helping to ensure a healthy ecosystem.
3. Are ground-nesting bees aggressive?
Most ground-nesting bees are not aggressive and will only sting if they feel their nest is threatened. Unlike honeybees, ground-nesting bees do not have a large group to defend and therefore are less likely to sting.
4. How can I identify a ground-nesting bee nest?
Ground-nesting bee nests are usually small holes in the soil, often with a small pile of dirt or sand nearby. You may also see bees flying in and out of the hole.
5. Can ground-nesting bees damage my lawn?
Ground-nesting bees are not usually harmful to lawns or other plants. In fact, they can be beneficial by pollinating flowers and aiding in plant growth.
6. Can I relocate a ground-nesting bee nest?
It is not recommended to relocate ground-nesting bee nests. These bees are important pollinators and help maintain a healthy ecosystem. If you are concerned about the bees, it is best to contact a local beekeeper or pest control professional for advice.
7. How can I attract ground-nesting bees to my garden?
Planting a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year can help attract ground-nesting bees. Providing a sandy or bare patch of soil can also create a suitable nesting habitat for them.
8. How can I protect ground-nesting bees?
Avoid using pesticides or chemicals on your lawn or garden, as these can harm ground-nesting bees and other beneficial insects. Providing a suitable nesting habitat and planting a variety of flowers can also help protect these important pollinators.
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