Arrow is reporting that we had 3 sightings of solitary ground bees at different locations yesterday!
INTRODUCTION: The common name comes from the fact that these are solitary and not social bees, and that they usually nest in the ground while some use natural cavities. These solitary bees can become urban nuisance pests when they nest in large numbers near structures, and they can sting. They are found througout the U.S.
BIOLOGY: These are solitary bees which do not live in colonies. Adults are queens or males. Digger bee burrows are made in the ground, usually consisting of a long vertical tunnel with lateral branches off of each tunnel to each cell. Sometimes large numbers of these bees will nest close together, particularly in in bare-ground areas. They provision each cell with pollen and nectar. Both sexes overwinter in the nests.
CONTROL: These are beneficial insects and control should be made only if the problem is in range of people or homes/buildings. If control is necessary, Pest Control Professionals would use a dust formulation chemical in the bare nesting areas. Pyrethroid chemicals are particularly effective as well.
As a customer, you should be advised to eliminate all bare-ground areas as a long-term solution to discourage these bees from returning.
