CONTROLLING BEES
There are many species of bees, and virtually all are
beneficial through their activity as pollinators. However,
since bees are capable of stinging, they can cause a
considerable nuisance problem. Bees, as a group can be
distinguished from wasps by the covering of dense, plumose
body hairs.
GROUND-NESTING BEES: Two groups of ground-nesting bees
commonly encountered in Michigan are bumble bees and
burrower bees. Bumble bees are easily recognized by their
large, robust, hairy, black and yellow (sometimes orange)
bodies. Bumble bees live in colonies of several hundred
individuals; however, only the queens overwinter. Burrower
bees are small to medium-sized, blackish or brownish bees wi
densely pubescent heads and midsections. Each female constr
a burrow in the ground and provisions it with nectar and pol
Control of ground-nesting bees can be achieved by
treating the nests with an appropriate insecticide. For
bumble bees treat the nest entrance with carbaryl 5% (dust)
or a "wasp and hornet" aerosol; after treating,
close the nest entrance with a handful of moist soil.
WOOD-NESTING BEES; Carpenter bees and some leafcutter
bees will nest in wood or in shingle gaps. These bees can
be controlled by injecting carbaryl 5% (dust), ready to use
diazinon or pyrethroid into the nest. After thoroughly
treating, plug the nest entrance with a dowel of the
appropriate size or wood putty.
Read and follow instructions on the pesticide label.
Heed all warnings. Check with your physician if you have any
concerns regarding your personal health risk.