How to Get Rid of In-Ground Bees
Eliminating in-ground bees--that is, bees that nest under ground in abandoned animal burrows--becomes necessary when the offending colony has taken up residence in a traveled area of your lawn or garden. Bees are extremele important to the ecosystem, so they should be left alone if possible, but never at the expense of your or your family's safety. Bee stings are painful at best, and at worst, some people are allergic to the bee's venom, creating a life and death situation. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Purchase a spray or dust meant for bees and wasps. Dust works most effectively, according to the Ohio State University Extension, as it permeates the soil and gives all members of the colony a chance to come into contact with it.
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Clothe yourself in heavy clothing, ideally sweat clothing. This is usually thick enough to defend your skin from any potential stingers.
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Observe the nesting area, and note where the bees are coming and going. Many colonized bees, such as bumblebees and yellow jackets, will have more than one entrance. Make sure before treatment that you have located all openings, and treat each one. Digger or mining bees do not colonize, and each female will dig different holes in which to lay her eggs. These types of in-ground bees rarely pose a threat to humans, and are best left alone.
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Wait until dusk to approach the nesting area as this is the time the bees are less active and not as dangerous to be around. Apply your spray or dust directly into the burrow or burrows. In the event that bees do start leaving, calmly walk away and continue after they've settled back down.
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Repeat applications as necessary, until you no longer see any bees around the nesting site. This often will take 2 or 3 applications.
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Place some small stones into the burrow and cover with a shovel full of soil to prevent their return, when you're certain the bees have been eliminated.
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Tips & Warnings
For digger or mining bees, simply dampening the area with a garden hose will prompt the bees to move on to a drier nesting area.
If you would rather avoid the use of chemicals, you may first try pouring a little soapy water into the burrow at dusk. Any type of soap is effective, even laundry soap.
Bees are dangerous, and for some, deadly creatures. Take every precaution when dealing with them, and when in doubt, call in a professional exterminator.
Never approach a nest where bees are swarming and already agitated.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit bumblebee image by Henryk Olszewski from Fotolia.com
