What Are these holes in my yard? All About Ground Bees

Everything You Should Know About Ground Bees
Most people are concerned when they find insects living in their lawns or garden beds. However, not all ground-dwelling insects are pests that you should eliminate by default. Such is the case with ground bees. Despite being somewhat common, ground bees are often poorly understood within the homeowner community. If you are interested in educating yourself about these interesting and environmentally important creatures, you’ve come to the right place. This article will teach you everything you need to know about ground bees by answering five of the most common questions.
  
What Are Ground Bees?
The term “ground bees” can refer to one of several bee species, all of which burrow into the ground to create their nests. At times, people also refer to these bees by the names “ground nesting bees” or “miner bees,” both of which reference the way these bees make their homes in the soil. Unlike many other types of bees, ground bee species don’t form hives and typically don’t live in large groups. Instead, ground bees tend to be solitary, meaning that each ground bee hole will be home to an individual ground bee.
 
When Are Ground Bees Active?
Most ground bee species are active during early and mid-spring, during which time they are focused on reproduction. This main period of activity usually lasts for about six weeks before the adult bees die. During the rest of the year, ground bee larvae will remain below the ground, developing into adult bees that will reemerge from the soil next spring to recommence the life cycle. 

Are Ground Bees Dangerous?
Overall, ground bees pose very little danger to you and your family. Although female ground bees can have stingers, they are usually very calm creatures that will not go out of their way to sting anyone. Alternatively, male ground bees can be a bit more aggressive. However, male ground bees do not have stingers, which makes their aggression essentially harmless. 

How Can You Tell if You Have Ground Bees on Your Property?
If you know what to look for, you’ll be able to tell right away if your property has ground bees. Ground bee nests are easy to spot, as they can be about a ¼ inch in diameter. Each hole often has a small pile of soil around it. These nests can be somewhat of an eyesore, but are valuable to the environment in your yard. 
​
Should You Get Rid of Ground Bees in Your Yard?
Many people are quick to assume that they should get rid of any ground bees that appear in their yards. However, it’s wisest to allow ground bees to survive. Ground bees are responsible for pollinating a wide range of spring blooming plants, which makes them an essential component of your local ecosystem. Considering the short lifespan of an adult ground bee and its positive environmental impact, the benefits of allowing ground bees to survive far outweigh the small nuisance that their presence can cause.