How To Get Rid Of Digger Bees
Digger bees (also known as ground bees) are solitary bees that nest in dry, sandy, or loose soil. While they are beneficial pollinators and not typically aggressive, their burrowing activity can become a nuisance—especially when they gather in large numbers on lawns, gardens, or near high-traffic areas. Here are some of the ways a home or business owner can safely and effectively get rid of digger bees on their own:
Eliminate Ideal Nesting Conditions
The key to controlling digger bees is making your property less appealing for nesting.
Water the soil regularly: Digger bees prefer dry, sandy ground. Keeping the soil moist for a couple of weeks during nesting season (spring to early summer) will discourage them from digging new burrows.
Encourage dense vegetation: Bees typically avoid nesting in turf that is thick and healthy. Overseed bare patches and maintain a lush lawn to reduce suitable digging areas.
Add mulch or ground cover: In garden beds or bare spots, apply a layer of mulch, gravel, or compost to eliminate exposed soil where bees might burrow.
Disrupt Existing Burrows
If nests have already formed, disrupting their structure can discourage the bees from returning.
Rake or till the soil: Lightly rake the area in the evening when bees are inactive to collapse burrow entrances.
Water after disturbance: Once you’ve disrupted the nests, soak the area to make it less suitable for re-nesting.
Repeat as needed: Consistency is key—continue this process over several days to ensure the bees relocate.
Use Natural Deterrents
Avoid chemical insecticides if possible, as digger bees are beneficial pollinators. Instead, consider:
Cinnamon or vinegar: Lightly sprinkling cinnamon powder or spraying diluted white vinegar near nesting holes can act as a mild deterrent.
Citrus oil spray: A natural bee repellent made from citrus oil and water can discourage nesting activity without harming the bees.
Avoid Aggressive Control Measures
Because digger bees are solitary, each female builds her own nest and doesn’t defend it aggressively. Spraying pesticides or trying to kill individual bees is unnecessary and often counterproductive. Moreover, many bee species are protected due to their ecological importance.
Prevent Future Infestations
Maintain a regular watering schedule and keep lawn areas dense.
Avoid leaving bare, sandy patches exposed for extended periods.
Consider installing ground covers or low-growing plants to limit exposed soil.
If the infestation is extensive—covering large areas of commercial property or recurring each year — our professional pest control may be necessary. Our experts can identify the exact bee species, determine whether they are protected pollinators, and apply eco-friendly treatments that address the problem without harming beneficial insects.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Digger Bees
Our professional pest control is the best way to get rid of digger bees because we combine accurate identification, safe removal methods, and long-term prevention strategies—something most homeowners or business owners can’t achieve on their own. Digger bees are beneficial pollinators, but if left unchecked, they can quickly colonize large areas of loose soil, making lawns, playgrounds, or business landscapes unsightly and difficult to maintain. Here’s why hiring our professional pest control team is the most effective and responsible approach:
Accurate Identification and Assessment
Not all ground-nesting bees are the same. Digger bees can be mistaken for other ground-nesting species such as miner bees, sweat bees, or even yellow jackets. Our pest control professionals can correctly identify the species and determine whether it’s a pollinator that should be relocated or a pest that requires treatment. This precision ensures that beneficial bees are handled properly and that no unnecessary chemical applications are made.
Safe and Environmentally Responsible Treatment
Our professionals use targeted products and techniques that eliminate digger bee activity without harming pollinators or contaminating soil and groundwater. Many over-the-counter insecticides available to consumers are broad-spectrum and can harm non-target insects and plants. Our licensed pest control experts understand which products to use, where to apply them, and at what time of day to minimize risks to people, pets, and the environment.
Preventing Reinfestation
Killing or driving away current bees doesn’t solve the root of the problem—loose, dry soil that invites them back. Our pest control technicians not only treat active nests but also help modify the environment to prevent future infestations. We may recommend soil compaction, moisture adjustments, turf management, or landscaping modifications that make the property less appealing for future nesting.
Protecting Property and Landscaping
While digger bees aren’t aggressive, their tunneling can create unsightly patches, uneven lawns, and disturbed soil that affects grass growth or irrigation. Our professionals can treat the issue without damaging delicate turf or ornamental areas. In commercial settings, this preserves the professional appearance of the property and reduces liability from uneven or damaged ground.
Compliance and Pollinator Protection
In many regions, certain bee species are protected or subject to environmental regulations. We are trained to comply with local and federal guidelines that govern pollinator management. We ensure removal methods are legal, ethical, and environmentally sound—something the average property owner may not be aware of.
Cost-Effective and Time-Saving
DIY methods often fail to address the root cause, leading to repeated infestations year after year. Our professional pest control provides a comprehensive solution—treating the current population, modifying conditions, and implementing long-term prevention—saving property owners time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Our professional pest control combines scientific expertise, safety, and sustainability. While homeowners can manage small, isolated nests through soil management and deterrents, large or persistent digger bee problems require the precision and environmental responsibility that our trained pest control professionals can provide.