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Wasp and bee control for commercial premises.
There are tens of thousands of species of solitary bees worldwide, which can make pinning down identification difficult. Solitary bees are different from honey bees and bumble bees because they don’t form large colonies. Each female bee builds and cares for her own nest, making these insects fascinating to learn about. Here we’ll share important solitary bee facts, how to spot them, and what to do if they build nests close to your home.
Key characteristics
Appearance
- Appearance varies - there are thousands of species.
Life cycle
- Colony size - small nests which are individually tended by a female.
- Preferred nest sites - often in soil, sometimes in soft cement and mortar between bricks.
- Nest construction - various materials. Usually, a new nest each year.
Habits
- Swarming - does not swarm.
- Overwintering - usually in the pupal stage within the nest.
- Food preferences - honey and pollen.
- Rarely stings.
Solitary bee identification
Solitary bees can be tricky to recognize because there are many kinds, they don’t all look the same, and because they’re often buzzing about, it can be hard to get a proper look at them. Here’s how to tell them apart from some common species, and what to look for if they’re active around your property.
Solitary bees come in many shapes and sizes, with thousands in the US alone. Unlike honey bees, they don’t typically have large pollen baskets on their hind legs. Instead, many carry pollen on hairs called a scopa. Some solitary bees, like mason bees (Osmia) and leafcutter bees (Megachile), are small and dark, while others, like carpenter bees, are bigger and shinier.
In reality, it can be difficult to differentiate between a solitary bee species and other social bee species. That’s where our expert pest control technicians can help. We can help identify species, assess their risk, and remove nests if necessary.
Unlike honey bees that live in big colonies, solitary bees, as the name suggests, nest alone. You might notice small holes in soil, wood, or plant stems where they create burrows. They may also use nesting materials like mud or leaf pieces to seal the nest. Seeing them fly low to the ground or dart into tiny holes is often the best clue that solitary bees are nearby.
Habitat, diet, life cycle, and behavior
Solitary bees can be found across the world in many habitats. Behaviors and the life cycle of solitary bees varies across species, but there are some common traits to look out for.
Where do solitary bees live?
Many solitary bees are ground nesters, digging small tunnels or a burrow in soil or sand. Others use hollow twigs, cracks in walls, or even old holes left by wasp or beetle larvae. Some, like mining bees in the Andrenidae family, prefer loose soil, while Ceratina (small carpenter bees) hollow out woody stems. A few species in the Megachilidae family, such as mason bees or leafcutters, seal their nests with mud or leaves.
Diet
Solitary bees feed on nectar for energy and collect pollen for their young. Each larva is given a small ball of pollen and nectar to eat as it develops. Some solitary bees are generalists, visiting many kinds of flowers, while others specialize in certain plants. Either way, they are excellent pollinators and help pollinate crops and wild plants alike.
Lifecycle
The life cycle begins when the female builds a nest. She places pollen and nectar inside, lays an egg, and typically seals the cell. The larva hatches, eats the food, and grows until it pupates. Many species overwinter in the nest as pupae or young adults. This simple life cycle is repeated each year, with new bees emerging in spring to start the cycle afresh.
Behaviors
Solitary bees don’t swarm or form hives, and each female cares for her own young. Some groups, like sweat bees from the Halictidae family, may nest close together in large numbers, but they still act alone. A few, such as cuckoo bees, don’t build their own nests at all, but lay eggs in the nests of other solitary bees. Solitary bees rarely bother people.
Are solitary bees dangerous?
Solitary bees almost never sting. Unlike honeybees, they don’t defend a hive, and only sting if roughly handled. Even then, their stings are mild compared to those of wasps or honey bees. A potential danger posed by some solitary bees is the damage they can cause to properties. Carpenter bees, for example, burrow into wood to lay their eggs. Over time, this could weaken the structural integrity of wooden structures or otherwise cause unsightly holes that might require filling.
How to get rid of solitary bees
Since solitary bees help with pollination, it’s best to leave them alone if possible. DIY removal is not recommended because it may harm important pollinators and usually doesn’t solve long-term problems. If nests are in an area that causes concern, such as close to doors or play areas, call us at Presto-X. Our technicians can inspect the site and advise on the best way forward with any bee control.
Solitary bee prevention tips
You can reduce the chances of bees nesting by sealing cracks in walls and keeping soil areas compacted. Covering exposed soil near homes may discourage ground nesters like mining bees. We can help with prevention and exclusion, and if solitary bees become a concern, our technicians can remove them from your home or business.
Need help with wasps and bees?
Solitary bees, honeybees, and wasps all play different roles in nature, but they can become a problem when they nest too close to people. Whether you’re dealing with solitary bees, hornets, or other stinging insects, we can help. Our technicians are continually trained to manage bees and wasps of all species.
Frequently asked questions
Solitary bees rarely sting and usually only if handled roughly. Their sting is mild compared to honey bees or wasps.
Yes, most solitary bees spend the winter in their nests as pupae or young adults and emerge in spring when it warms up. This stage lets them survive the cold months until conditions improve.
Solitary bees are excellent pollinators, visiting many flowers to collect nectar and pollen. This makes them valuable for both crops and wild plants.
Most solitary bees nest in spring and summer, building burrows in soil, plant stems, or wood. Each female builds her own nest for her offspring.
Solitary bees play a huge role in pollination, supporting food crops and ecosystems. Protecting them also helps maintain healthy plant and insect communities.