How to Get Rid of Ground Bees with Gas

Co-authored by Steve Downs and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: October 1, 2022 References

If you've recently discovered that bees have set up shop in your soil, you're probably eager to get rid of these unwanted guests. You may have heard about people using gasoline to get rid of ground bees, but is that really effective? And more importantly, is it safe? In this article, we've got answers to all of your questions about dealing with unwelcome ground bees to help you decide whether gas or a different removal method is right for your situation.

Question 1 of 5:

Is using gasoline an effective way to kill ground bees?

Some people find gasoline effective, although experts advise against it. People who use the gasoline method typically place a screen and a long piece of wick over the nest's opening, then pour gasoline directly into the nest before lighting the end of the wick to ignite the fuel.^{[1]
X
Research source} However, experts caution that pouring gasoline directly into the ground is bad for the environment and that the gasoline could potentially leak into your local water supply.^{[2]
X
Research source} Also, exposing yourself to gasoline can cause unwanted side effects, like dizziness, vomiting, nausea, headaches, and other serious issues.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Gasoline is also extremely flammable and can be a major fire hazard.

Question 2 of 5:

What are some other ways to get rid of ground bees?

1
Spritz the bees' nest at night with some diluted vinegar. Combine 1 part water and 1 part white vinegar in an empty spray bottle and shake the ingredients together.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Steve Downs
Live Bee Removal Specialist
Expert Interview. 23 February 2020.} Once the sun goes down and the bees are less active, spray the vinegar mixture all over the entrance to the nest. The following day, clear away all the dead bees around the nest.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- This tip isn’t expert-verified, but it’s a popular solution among home gardeners.
2
Soak your lawn with water. Set up a sprinkler in your yard, or take some time to soak the ground with a hose each day. The bees won’t want to nest in extremely water-logged soil.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- To prevent ground bees from nesting in your yard in the future, soak the soil in very early spring before the bees make their nests.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
3
Spread mulch or plant ground cover. Cover up any open, sandy, and well-drained sections of soil with a solid layer of mulch so the bees can't easily access their nest. Planting plenty of ground cover can also block off nesting spots.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Division of the University of Georgia focused on research and community education
Go to source}
- Sedum, salvia, pachysandra, creeping jenny, hostas, ground ivy, and chamomile are just a few types of ground cover that you can choose from.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
4
Plant thick turfgrass. Ground-nesting bees really love sparse, grass-free areas—this makes it a lot easier for them to build their nests with mounds of soil. Planting a layer of thick turfgrass will cover up potential nesting spots, and it may send the bees packing.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, and bermudagrass are some well-known types of turfgrass.^{[11]
  X
  Research source}

Question 3 of 5:

Are ground bees dangerous?

Most ground bees are completely harmless. The vast majority of ground bees actually help pollinate the world around them, making them very helpful to the environment. Plus, most nesting bees are extremely passive and unlikely to sting you. Because of their environmental benefits, experts suggest leaving these critters alone.^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Division of the University of Georgia focused on research and community education
Go to source}
- Bumblebees, sweat bees, leaf-cutting bees, digger bees, digger wasps, and cicada-killer wasps are the most common culprits that you’ll find in your yard. Still, these bees and wasps aren’t very aggressive and aren’t very likely to sting you.
- One of the most aggressive ground bees that you could potentially come across is a yellowjacket. Thankfully, they have thick, yellow and black stripes going up the abdomen, making them easy to identify.^{[13]
  X
  Research source}
- Ground bees pose the biggest risk to people with allergies. If you have a severe bee or wasp allergy, it might be worth getting rid of the bees.

Question 4 of 5:

How long do ground bees stay around?

Ground bees stick around for about 4-6 weeks.^{[14]
X
Research source} Most solitary, ground-nesting bees start appearing in March or April, where they start to search for mates. More eggs are created during the spring, which will hatch and develop during the rest of the year.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Yellowjackets are most active during the late summer and early fall months.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}

Question 5 of 5:

How do you tell if you have ground bees?

Look for pointed, cone-like piles of dirt with a hole in the center. Ground bee nests look pretty similar to anthills, with one distinct difference. Unlike anthills, which have a teeny-tiny hole for entry and exit, ground bee nests have a wider, pencil-sized opening in the middle.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- Ground bees are big fans of well-drained, sandy soil without a lot of grass or brush nearby. If your property is pretty sparse, ground bees might be interested in making a nest there.^{[18]
  X
  Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

What natural repellents can keep bees away?

Steve Downs
Live Bee Removal Specialist
Steve Downs is a Live Honey Bee Removal Specialist, Honey bee Preservationist, and the Owner of Beecasso Live Bee Removal Inc, a licensed bee removal and relocation business based in the Los Angeles, California metro area. Steve has over 20 years of humane bee capturing and bee removal experience for both commercial and residential locations. Working with beekeepers, agriculturalists, and bee hobbyists, Steve sets up bee hives throughout the Los Angeles area and promotes the survival of bees. He has a passion for honeybee preservation and has created his own Beecasso sanctuary where rescued bee hives are relocated and preserved.

Steve Downs

Live Bee Removal Specialist

Expert Answer

Try using vinegar mixed with water, cinnamon mixed with water, orange oil, and almond oil. Although these are not 100% fool-proof, they are effective in keeping bees away.
Question

How do I keep bees away from my yard?

Steve Downs
Live Bee Removal Specialist
Steve Downs is a Live Honey Bee Removal Specialist, Honey bee Preservationist, and the Owner of Beecasso Live Bee Removal Inc, a licensed bee removal and relocation business based in the Los Angeles, California metro area. Steve has over 20 years of humane bee capturing and bee removal experience for both commercial and residential locations. Working with beekeepers, agriculturalists, and bee hobbyists, Steve sets up bee hives throughout the Los Angeles area and promotes the survival of bees. He has a passion for honeybee preservation and has created his own Beecasso sanctuary where rescued bee hives are relocated and preserved.

Steve Downs

Live Bee Removal Specialist

Expert Answer

It is difficult to predict and control where bees will pollinate and where swarms will land especially in the spring and summertime. Bees will land where and when they choose. There are a few ways of preventing this, apart from removing plants and trees that attract them to the area. Do not wear floral perfumes as certain floral perfumes, body rubs can attract bees. You can also use natural repellents such as vinegar, orange oil, and almond oil.

Warnings

If you’re severely allergic to bees and wasps, always bring an EpiPen when you head outside.^{[19]
X
Research source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Do your best to stay calm if a bee or wasp is flying around you. Take slow, careful steps so you can safely escape from the bug.^{[20]
X
Research source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0