Blueberry Bees and Native Pollinators

As a professional bee removal and relocation company, we’ve encountered all types of bees in our work, from honey bees to lesser-known native species. One particularly fascinating group that often goes unnoticed is the blueberry bee. These native pollinators play a vital role in the success of blueberry crops, and we believe it’s important to highlight their significance, not just for farmers, but for anyone interested in protecting our ecosystem.

At The Other Bee Guy, we don't just remove bees—we relocate them responsibly. That means understanding the role each species plays in nature, and when it comes to bees and blueberries, there’s more to the story than most people realize.

What Are Blueberry Bees?

Blueberry bees, sometimes referred to more specifically as southeastern blueberry bees (Habropoda laboriosa), are native to the southeastern United States. These bees have a special relationship with blueberry plants. Unlike honey bees, which are generalists and pollinate a wide variety of plants, blueberry bees are specialists. Their entire lifecycle is closely timed with the blooming season of blueberry plants, and they are highly efficient at pollinating these crops.

One of the most unique traits of blueberry bees is their ability to perform buzz pollination—a technique where the bee vibrates its body at a specific frequency to release pollen from flowers. Blueberries, like tomatoes and some other plants, require this method of pollination to produce fruit effectively. While honey bees struggle with this task, blueberry bees excel at it.

As part of our bee relocation efforts, we always take care to identify the type of bee we’re dealing with. Relocating native bees like the blueberry bee requires special attention, mainly because they often nest in the ground rather than in hives. Our team has the expertise to distinguish these important pollinators from other species and take appropriate action to ensure their survival and contribution to local agriculture.

Bees and Blueberries: A Perfect Match

Blueberries depend heavily on pollinators to produce fruit, and not all bees are equally effective at this job. Blueberry bees are perfectly adapted to meet the specific needs of these plants. They emerge in early spring, just as blueberry bushes begin to bloom, and their foraging behavior is focused primarily on blueberry flowers.

The anatomy of the blueberry bee is also tailored to this task. Their size and strength allow them to grasp the flowers and buzz-pollinate efficiently. This results in higher fruit yield and better-quality berries, which is why many blueberry growers value native pollinators even more than managed honey bee hives.

Our work in bee relocation has taken us to several properties where blueberry bees are present. These bees are solitary, meaning they don’t live in colonies like honey bees. Instead, each female builds her own nest, usually in sandy or loose soil. We take great care during bee removal to assess the type of bee on-site, and when blueberry bees are involved, we use minimally invasive techniques to ensure they are not harmed.

If you’re curious about our methods, you can learn more about how we handle bee removal with care by visiting our process and reading our client reviews.

The Role of Native Bees in Supporting Blueberry Farms

While managed honey bee hives are often used for large-scale pollination, studies have shown that native bees, including blueberry bees, can do the job better when it comes to blueberries. This is especially true for smaller or organic farms where chemical use is limited and biodiversity is encouraged.

Supporting native bees doesn’t just benefit the crops—they contribute to the health of the entire local ecosystem. That’s why we emphasize bee relocation rather than extermination. By moving bees to safer environments, we help maintain the natural balance and support local agriculture in a meaningful way.

Many of our clients are surprised to learn how important these small, often unseen bees are to something as familiar as their morning bowl of blueberries. When we’re called to a site for bee removal, we always explain the significance of the bees we’re relocating, especially when native pollinators like blueberry bees are involved.

How We Identify and Relocate Blueberry Bees

Identifying blueberry bees requires experience and careful observation. These bees are typically about the size of a honey bee but have distinctive coloring and nesting habits. Unlike honey bees, which form large hives, blueberry bees are ground nesters. We often find their nests in clusters in areas with well-drained, sandy soils.

During a bee-hive relocation, we’re usually dealing with honey bees or similar species. However, in cases where blueberry bees or other native ground-nesting bees are present, we use different techniques that respect their habitat. Sometimes, the best course of action is to leave them undisturbed if they are not causing harm. When relocation is necessary, we work with local conservation efforts to ensure they are moved to a suitable environment.

For those interested in supporting local bees, we also offer nucleus colonies, or nucs, which you can learn about at bee nucs and nucleus. While these are primarily honey bee colonies, raising awareness about all bee species, including blueberry bees, is part of our mission.

If you suspect you have native bees on your property and are unsure what to do, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact page. We’re always here to help, and we’re committed to protecting the bees that support our food supply and ecosystems.

Threats to Blueberry Bees and Native Pollinators

As we’ve seen firsthand in our work, native bees like the blueberry bee face numerous challenges that threaten their survival. Habitat loss is one of the most pressing concerns. As natural areas are developed or converted for agriculture, the nesting grounds and foraging areas of these bees shrink dramatically. Ground-nesting species like blueberry bees are especially vulnerable, as their nests are often overlooked or inadvertently destroyed.

Pesticides, particularly those in the neonicotinoid class, pose another significant threat. These chemicals can affect bees’ ability to forage, navigate, and reproduce. Even low levels of exposure can reduce pollination activity, which has serious consequences for crops like blueberries that depend on efficient pollination during a short blooming period.

At The Other Bee Guy, we’re advocates for responsible pest control and land management practices. Our bee relocation services are designed to offer alternatives to extermination. By moving bees to safer environments, we not only protect individual bees but also help maintain the broader ecosystem they support.

When we relocate a hive or a colony, we often advise property owners on how to make their land more hospitable to native bees. This might include planting native flowering plants, reducing pesticide use, or leaving sections of land undisturbed for ground-nesting bees. You can learn more about how we approach these situations and the steps we take on our our process page.

How We Help: Bee Relocation That Respects Native Species

Our approach to bee removal is rooted in both science and respect for these vital creatures. When we’re called out to remove bees, we first assess the species and nesting situation. In cases involving native pollinators like blueberry bees, we proceed with extra caution. These bees are solitary and may nest in clusters, but they are not aggressive and pose little risk to people or property.

For blueberry bees, relocation may involve carefully excavating small sections of soil or, when possible, working with landowners to protect the area until the bees complete their seasonal cycle. In many cases, simply marking off and avoiding disturbance to their nesting site is the best way to protect them.

We also offer bee-hive relocation for honey bees and are equipped to handle complex removals from walls, trees, and other structures. Every removal is documented and handled with the utmost care, which is why we’ve earned the trust of our clients throughout the region. Feel free to explore our client reviews to hear about their experiences.

When relocation is not feasible, we offer guidance on how to coexist with bees safely or how to encourage them to nest elsewhere. Our goal is always to provide solutions that benefit both people and pollinators.

Support Local Pollinators: What You Can Do

Supporting native pollinators like blueberry bees isn’t just the responsibility of farmers or beekeepers—it’s something all of us can contribute to. One of the simplest ways to help is by planting native flowers that bloom at different times throughout the growing season. This provides consistent food sources for a wide range of bees.

Avoiding the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides is another crucial step. Many chemicals that target pests also harm beneficial insects like bees. Opting for organic or natural alternatives can make a big difference in protecting local bee populations.

For those interested in supporting bee populations more directly, we offer nucleus colonies or nucs to help individuals start or expand sustainable honey bee colonies. While blueberry bees cannot be kept in hives like honey bees, fostering an environment that welcomes all pollinators supports the health of local ecosystems. Learn more about our nuc offerings at bee nucs and nucleaus.

Buying local honey is another excellent way to support responsible beekeeping and native bee conservation. Our local honey is produced by bees that pollinate a variety of plants, contributing to biodiversity and crop success. Visit local honey to find out more.

If you think you may have a bee nest or colony on your property, we encourage you to reach out through our contact page. We’re always ready to provide expert advice and ethical removal options.

The Importance of Blueberry Bees and Native Pollinators

Blueberry bees may not be as well-known as honey bees, but they are every bit as important to our food supply and environment. These native pollinators are uniquely suited to pollinating blueberry plants and play a critical role in the health of wild and cultivated blueberry populations.

At The Other Bee Guy, we’re passionate about protecting all bee species. Our work in bee removal and relocation is driven by respect for these incredible creatures and the ecosystems they support. Whether we’re moving a hive or safeguarding native bees like the blueberry bee, we bring the same level of care, experience, and expertise to every job.

If you have questions about bees on your property or want to learn more about how to support native pollinators, we’re here to help. Contact us today through our contact page, and let’s work together to protect the bees that keep our world blooming.