How to Remove Ground Bumble Bee Nests

When you notice bees flying in and out of a small hole in the soil, it’s natural to wonder what type of bees you’re dealing with. Many homeowners assume the worst, but in most cases, they’re seeing harmless ground-nesting bumble bees. As a professional bee removal and relocation company, we’ve examined these situations countless times and understand how easily they’re mistaken for aggressive species.

Bumble bees often choose soft soil, mulched areas, or abandoned rodent burrows to establish their underground nests. These chambers provide stable temperature, natural shelter, and protection from predators. Although their presence can be surprising, bumble bees play a vital role in pollination and rarely sting unless their nest is disturbed.

Because underground activity is easy to misread, identifying the bees correctly is essential before taking action. Our trained team follows a thorough inspection process to confirm the species, assess risk, and determine whether relocation is necessary. If there is any doubt, contacting a qualified bee professional is the safest approach.

Why Bumble Bees Build Nests Underground

Bumble bees seek underground locations because they naturally offer the protection and structure needed to raise a colony. The depth and size of the nest vary depending on soil type and the original hole, but all provide a sheltered chamber for brood and food storage. Homeowners typically discover these nests by accident while mowing, gardening, or noticing increased traffic near the entrance.

Even though bumble bees are beneficial, an underground nest can become a concern when it sits near walkways, porches, or areas where children and pets spend time. A sudden burst of bee activity from the ground can be alarming, and without proper identification, homeowners may resort to sprays or DIY methods that create more danger than solutions.

We’ve seen many attempts to eliminate bees with store-bought chemicals or home remedies that only escalate the problem. Bumblebee nests require patience, precision, and an understanding of their biology. When a nest is too close for comfort, our humane bee relocation and bee hive relocation services provide safe, environmentally responsible solutions.

Identifying a Bumble Bee Nest in the Ground

Recognizing a bumblebee nest begins with observing their behavior. Their flight is slow and direct, but they wobble noticeably due to their larger, rounded bodies. If you see bees consistently entering a single small hole, especially during morning or evening hours, you may be dealing with an active nest.

Unlike honey bees, which construct structured combs, bumble bees create waxy brood cells in irregular clusters underground. Because everything happens out of sight, it’s easy to underestimate the size of the colony or confuse it with yellow jackets or other ground-nesting insects.

Our team has spent years studying these distinctions, and precise identification is a core part of our process. Once we confirm the bees are bumble bees, we can recommend safe removal, relocation, or, when appropriate, simply letting the colony complete its short seasonal cycle.

Safe Methods to Get Rid of Ground Bees Without Killing Them

One of the most frequent questions we receive is how to remove a bumblebee nest without harming the bees. As a company committed to pollinator conservation, we always follow humane methods in our recommendations. The safest and most responsible solution is professional relocation.

With the right equipment and experience, we can collect the bees, brood, and nest structure intact. These colonies are often transferred to a protected environment or used to establish new bee nucs and nucleus colonies that support local beekeeping and pollination.

For homeowners seeking non-lethal deterrents before scheduling service, specific options may help discourage bees from nesting in unused burrows or returning next season. Moistening the soil, improving lawn density, and filling empty holes can reduce habitat suitability. However, these approaches do not resolve active nests. Attempting to remove an active colony yourself can cause stings, property damage, and harm to the bees.

When bees are currently using the burrow, professional removal is always the safest path. If you think you’ve found an underground nest or want expert guidance, our bee removal team is ready to help. You can also reach us quickly through our contact page.

Protecting your property matters—but so does protecting the bees that support our environment.

What Not to Do When You Discover a Bumble Bee Nest

Underground bumble bee nests require careful handling, and specific actions can make the situation worse. We’ve been called to many homes where well-intentioned DIY solutions caused unnecessary harm, triggered defensive behavior, or destroyed the surrounding soil. Avoiding these common mistakes protects both you and the bees.

Pouring chemicals, gasoline, boiling water, or vinegar into the ground is hazardous. These substances rarely eliminate the entire colony and often drive the bees deeper into the soil or into new openings around your yard. More importantly, these chemicals contaminate your soil and can harm pets, wildlife, and nearby plants. Covering the nest entrance with rocks or dirt can also force the bees to create new exits, sometimes inside structures or near high-traffic areas.

Another mistake we often see is homeowners misidentifying the insects. Yellow jackets, hornets, carpenter bees, honey bees, and bumble bees all behave differently—and require different removal methods. Attempting to treat a nest before confirming the species can lead to dangerous encounters and unnecessary harm. If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, it’s always safest to let us inspect the site and recommend the right next step.

When to Call a Professional for Ground Nest Bee Removal

There are situations where professional removal is not just recommended—it’s necessary. Ground nests located near entrances, patios, play areas, or walkways can create a safety concern, especially for individuals with allergies. Bumble bees are generally gentle pollinators, but they will defend their nest if they feel threatened or if vibrations reach the underground chambers.

Our team at The Other Bee Guy specializes in safe, humane ground nest removal and complete colony relocation. We use protective equipment, proper vacuums, hive boxes, and transfer methods designed to keep the colony intact. This ensures the bees survive the process and can continue contributing to local pollination.

With each service, we follow environmentally responsible practices and rely on real-world field expertise. Many nests can be successfully collected and moved to a controlled environment, where they may be integrated into new colonies or supported within beekeeping setups. To see how our approach works from start to finish, you can explore our process or read the experiences shared on our reviews page.

How We Humanely Remove and Relocate Bumble Bee Nests

Relocating a bumblebee nest underground takes far more care than simply digging it up. Each colony has delicate brood cells, food stores, and a queen that must remain protected during extraction. Our goal is always to preserve the colony’s structure as much as possible. When we arrive on-site, we begin by observing bee behavior, identifying all entry points, and determining how far the nest extends underground.

From there, we carefully uncover the nest, remove soil in controlled layers, and transfer the colony into a secure relocation container. This method ensures the queen, brood, and workers remain together throughout the move. Once assigned, the colony may be placed in an apiary setting, used to strengthen existing colonies, or provided shelter through bee nucs and nucleus colonies. Each option supports long-term bee health and contributes positively to our local ecosystem.

Our relocation approach aligns with our values as a conservation-focused company. Instead of eliminating bees, we ensure they find a safer home—one that benefits both the environment and your household.

Preventing Ground Bees from Returning

Once a nest has been removed or relocated, the next step is to prevent future colonies from establishing in similar spots. Bumble bees typically reuse abandoned rodent burrows or soft soil patches, so making the environment less appealing can deter future nesting.

Filling holes, compacting loose soil, and maintaining thicker grass coverage are simple but effective strategies. Mulch beds can also be refreshed to eliminate hidden cavities. If you’ve had repeated issues with ground-nesting bees, consider making minor landscaping adjustments to discourage future nesting sites.

Regularly inspecting your yard when temperatures warm up can help you catch new activity early. If you do spot bees entering the ground again, reach out to us before attempting any DIY solutions. Early intervention makes removal safer and more efficient.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Bumble bees are essential pollinators, but their nests can become a concern when they’re too close to your home or high-traffic areas. Handling an underground nest requires the right tools, training, and respect for the bees’ role in the environment. At The Other Bee Guy, we’re committed to helping homeowners resolve these situations safely, humanely, and responsibly.

Whether you need an inspection, a complete relocation, or simply guidance on what you’re seeing, our team is here to help. Explore our bee removal or bee relocation services for more information, or reach out directly through our contact page. If you’re passionate about supporting healthy pollinator populations, you can even learn more about local beekeeping and products like local honey.

We’re here to keep your property safe—and protect the bees that keep our world thriving.