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Bees #867765

Asked May 09, 2024, 2:46 PM EDT

I see 100s of small bees buzzing around the ground in the shade of our pole building. We are new to this property and the soil is very Sandy. It used to be a soy bean field. Not sure what kind of bee-trying to give them their space. Any idea if they are aggressive or beneficial? Thanks

Sussex County Delaware

Expert Response

Sue


Would it be possible to get a photo of the bees without endangering yourself ?


Tony

Thanks for using Ask Extension Replied May 14, 2024, 10:11 AM EDT
Not sure if the pics made it to you-they are nearing in holes in the ground

On Tue, May 14, 2024 at 10:11 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 14, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT


On Tue, May 14, 2024 at 10:11 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 14, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT


On Tue, May 14, 2024 at 10:11 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 14, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT
I sent pics from <personal data hidden> 

On Tue, May 14, 2024 at 1:17 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 14, 2024, 1:28 PM EDT
Trying another email to send the pics! 
Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Sue Miller <<personal data hidden>>
Date: May 14, 2024 at 1:19:54 PM EDT
To: Maggie Roth <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Fwd: Your reply was successfully added to your Ask Extension question (#0137686)




---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: Tue, May 14, 2024 at 1:17 PM
Subject: Your reply was successfully added to your Ask Extension question (#0137686)
To: Sue miller <<personal data hidden>>


The Question Asker Replied May 14, 2024, 1:28 PM EDT

Sue


Would it be possible to get a photo of the bees without endangering yourself ?

Sue

Sorry it took so long to get back to you.  There are several types of similar looking ground bees.  Generally, they are not aggressive unless they are threatened by digging up their nesting area.  Many species do not even have stingers so they are not generally dangerous.  They are beneficial pollinators especially for spring blooming plants.  

If the area is commonly used for recreation or gardening or has frequent foot traffic and you wish to remove them the best way is by keeping the area wet.  The bees do not like moist or wet soil and will eventually move on to other areas.  The use of pesticides is not recommended since they are beneficial insects.

Thank you for using Ask Extension

Tony

Thanks for using Ask Extension Replied May 17, 2024, 11:31 AM EDT

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