Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500555
06/24/03
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 with densely pubescent heads and
midsections. Each female constructs a burrow in the
ground and provisions it with nectar and pollen.
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.
For a complete listing of suggested control options
for all home, yard and garden insect pests contact your
local Extension Service, found under local government in
the phone book.
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.
Revised by Tom Ellis, M.S., Department of Entomology
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .