Sweat Bee Fact & Information

What Orkin Does

Your local Orkin Pro is trained to help manage sweat bees and similar pests. Since every building or home is different, your Orkin Pro will design a unique treatment program for your situation.

Orkin can provide the right solution to keep sweat bees in their place...out of your home, or business.

What Do Sweat Bees Look Like?

Sweat bees, also known as ground bees, are second only to honey bees in terms of population. They are often black or brown. However, some species have metallic-colored green bodies, giving them a jewel-like appearance. Many sweat bees also feature distinctive striped patterns similar to honeybees, with bands in shades like green, red, or yellow. These insects are also slender and rarely grow over three-quarters of an inch in length.

Where Do Sweat Bees Nest?

Ground bees are important pollinators that often build their nests in the soil. They prefer well-drained, sunny areas with little to no vegetation, such as patches of bare ground. If you spot small mounds of dirt with a tiny entrance hole in your lawn, garden, or even along cracks in sidewalks or driveways, you may have found a ground bee nest. These bees play a vital role in pollination, but their nesting habits can sometimes create concerns for homeowners. If their presence becomes an issue, understanding their nesting behavior can help you determine the best course of action.

How Did Sweat Bees Get Their Name?

While foraging, ground bees obtain pollen and nectar from a variety of common flowers. However, sweat bees must supplement their diets with salt and moisture. This is often accomplished through feeding on human sweat, so the pests can become nuisances during hot days.

Sweat Bee Behavior

Unlike honey bees, sweat bees don't produce honey and avoid making nests in attics or wall voids. Still, they sometimes live among buildings, sheds, and patios that contain exposed or damaged wood.

Sweat bees are generally docile, but females can deliver a mild sting if swatted or aggravated. At times, they are known to swarm in the hundreds.

Exclusion for Sweat Bees

Sweat bees are drawn to bare soil in sunny areas, making treeless, well-lit yards a common target for infestations. To keep these pests from nesting, it’s important to minimize exposed ground surfaces. Cover bare patches with mulch, ground cover plants, or grass seed to make potential nesting spots less appealing. Compacting the soil and using landscape fabric can provide additional barriers. Planting dense vegetation to create shaded areas can also discourage ground bees, as they prefer open, sunny locations. While it may be difficult to completely eliminate them, these strategies can help manage sweat bee activity and protect your outdoor spaces.

In cases of large numbers of sweat bees, contact your local Orkin branch for assistance. Our experienced Orkin Pros are trained in the safe removal of pests from around the home.