5.5 Million Ground Nesting Bees Take Over Ithaca Cemetery

Dr. Anya Sharma · 2026-04-13

It sounds like something out of a nature documentary, but it's real. Over 5.5 million ground nesting bees have made their home in an Ithaca cemetery. This isn't a problem to be solved, but a fascinating story about resilience and the delicate balance of our ecosystem. For professionals in beekeeping and pest control, it's a case study worth paying attention to. These bees aren't aggressive honeybees. They're solitary ground nesters, which means each female digs her own burrow. They're vital pollinators, and their massive congregation in a cemetery shows how important undisturbed soil is for their survival. This isn't a swarm you need to call a beekeeper to relocate. ### What Are Ground Nesting Bees? Most people think of honeybees living in hives. Ground nesting bees are different. They're solitary, meaning they don't have a queen or workers. Each female is a mom who builds her own nest. They dig tunnels in bare, well-drained soil. The Ithaca cemetery provides perfect conditions: open ground, minimal foot traffic, and plenty of flowers for food. These bees are generally docile. They're so focused on foraging and nesting that they rarely sting unless you step on them or trap them against your skin. For pest control pros, the key is education, not extermination. ### Why This Matters for Pest Control Professionals If you're a beekeeper or pest control expert, you'll likely get calls about ground nesting bees. Here's what you need to know: - **They're not a threat** – They don't defend a hive aggressively. Most stings happen from accidental contact. - **They're beneficial** – They pollinate wildflowers, gardens, and crops. Killing them harms the local ecosystem. - **Control is rarely needed** – Their nests are temporary. The bees are active for just a few weeks in spring. - **If removal is necessary** – Focus on habitat modification. Water the soil, add mulch, or plant grass to discourage nesting. ### How to Identify Ground Nesting Bees You can spot them by looking for small mounds of soil with a hole in the center. Each hole is about the size of a pencil eraser. The bees themselves are often smaller than honeybees, with a metallic sheen. They might be black, blue, or green. Unlike yellow jackets, they don't build paper nests. ### What This Means for Your Business This event in Ithaca is a reminder that bees are everywhere, even in unexpected places. For professionals, it's a chance to build trust by offering sound advice. Instead of reaching for pesticides, recommend leaving them alone. If clients insist on action, explain the benefits of non-lethal methods. - **For beekeepers** – Consider educating clients about native bees. Offer to do a site visit to confirm the species. - **For pest control** – Position yourself as an eco-friendly expert. Recommend habitat changes over chemicals. ### The Bigger Picture Ground nesting bees are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. A colony of 5.5 million is a sign of a healthy environment. It's a win for biodiversity. As professionals, we can help protect these pollinators while still addressing real concerns. Remember, not every bee needs to be removed. Sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing at all.