In the garden, we’re no strangers to the constant buzz of insects. Some of us love them, while others? Not so much.
Most gardeners are not fond of ground bees because of their nesting habits.
Though they’re usually not aggressive, these little guys love to build underground nests, and sometimes that can mess with the look of our lawns and gardens (nobody wants random mounds popping up in their perfect landscape!).
You’ll have to get rid of them and their nests (no worries, it’s not as scary as it sounds). Getting rid of their nests can be surprisingly simple, and you won’t even need chemicals!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through some easy, natural ways to safely and effectively send those ground bees packing!
1. Go With Vinegar First
If you are dealing with a ground bee invasion, this simple kitchen ingredient can fix your issue!
All you have to do is mix some vinegar with water, spray some of the solution at the entrance of their nests, and the bees will stay away (they don’t like the acidity one bit!).
They’ll quickly get the hint and start looking for a new place to call home!
2. Garlic Or Cinnamon Might Also Be Helpful
Garlic is another great natural bee repellent!
Just crush some garlic cloves and put them into warm water. You should let them sit for a few hours, then strain and spray the mixture over their nests.
If you’re looking for another easy option, sprinkle some cinnamon around the nest. Bees can’t stand the strong smell – a few days of cinnamon and bees say bye bye!
3. Cover Up Those Nesting Holes
This is a little trick that I tried first – use heavy things like bricks or rocks to cover up the nesting holes.
Ground bees will get the message that their old homes are no longer available.
It will also stop any bees inside from combing back out (a bit cruel, I know). Once they realize they can’t get in or out, they’ll move on to find a new spot to nest in.
Related: 4 Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Wasps And Keep Them Away For Good
4. Ground Bees Can’t Stand DE
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized algae, and it’s a great way to deal with ground bees.
The tiny sharp particles in the powder damage the bees’ exoskeletons, which ends up dehydrating them.
While it’s completely safe for humans and pets, it’s tough on insects. Just sprinkle some around the nest entrance, and as the bees come and go, they’ll pick it up and the process will start working.
5. They Are Not Fond Of Natural Repellents Either
Plants like mint, eucalyptus, and citronella have another role – repelling insects from the garden.
If you plant these around the areas where ground bees like to nest, they’ll immediately find a new place.
You can also mix their essential oils with water in a spray bottle (if you are more into DIY solutions). Just give them a few sprays, and the bees will be buzzing off in no time.
Also read: Get Rid Of Cankerworms From Your Trees With These 3 Tried-And-True Methods
6. Try Soaking Up Your Lawn
Ground bees love dry, sandy soil with little vegetation like sparse grass or weeds.
So, if you want to naturally keep them away, one of the best tricks is to keep your lawn moist with regular watering or sprinklers.
In hotter, sunnier spots, you might need to water more often to make the area less appealing for them to settle in.
7. If Nothing Else Works, Use Soapy Water
Good ol’ soapy water is the usual answer when dealing with pests.
A mix of dish soap and water is an easy way to discourage many critters, including ground bees. Wait for the evening to pour the solution because this is when the bees are less active.
You won’t need to use any harsh chemicals to get rid of them. All these solutions are natural, safe, and eco-friendly. Try them and you’ll see!
Also read: 7 Ways To Get Rid Of Ant Hills In Your Garden That Actually Work