Latin: Andrena
The word “mining bees” is relatively broad and refers to several different types of bees, which are also called burrowing bees. In Denmark alone you can find over 50 different kinds of mining bees, and they all vary in appearance and size. Mining bees are generally a type of bee, but they live, in the ground. The most known bee in Denmark is the honeybee, which lives in beehives in trees or similar high locations.
Mining bees also belong to a broader term, namely solitary bees. Lone bees can live together, but they can just as well live on their own, which of course is very different from what is usually understood by bees that live in hives.
Appearance
As there are so many different species of mining bees in Denmark, it can be difficult to set a clear framework for what a mining bee looks like. However, you can generally recognize a mining bee in the same way as you can recognize an “ordinary” bee, namely on its yellow and black stripes, elongated, pill-shaped body and transparent wings.
However, mining bees are generally smaller than ordinary honeybees, but a few species are the size of honeybees. In terms of color, some of them may be roughly the same shade as honeybees, while others have a darker, yellow hue. In addition, some of them are more hairy, so you could confuse them with very thin bumblebees.
However, by far the fewest Danes have an eye that is trained to see the difference between honeybees and the many different species of mining bees. One can mainly see the difference between mining bees and other bees in their behavior. However, one should no matter what treat a mining bee as one would a treat an ordinary honeybee, as their impact on nature and humans is similar.
Biology and behavior
The biology of mining bees is very similar to their cousins living in cubes. However, there is a big difference when it comes to behavior. Mining bees live in the soil by digging in loose soil or sand. They dig themselves vertically using their legs and cheekbones, where they then build nests inside aisles. Mining bees prefer to build nests in warm, sunny areas. Therefore, there is a risk that they are found in sandboxes or between the tiles on terraces.
Damage
In short, mining bees are not dangerous. In fact, as bees in general, they are very useful animals to have in the garden, as they help pollinate several different plants, such as shrubs and fruit trees. Therefore, mining bees cannot be considered a nuisance unless, of course, there are many of them in one’s garden.
The only danger with mining bees is that they, like honeybees, bumblebees, and wasps, have a sting. So, they can sting if they feel threatened, which of course is painful and uncomfortable for the person being stung. However, mining bees have roughly the same mind as honeybees, and they are therefore not aggressive. If you come across a mining bee, do not be afraid. It always helps to be as calm as possible if you are afraid of being stung.
Prevention and pest control
Since mining bees are a useful animal, it can be a bad idea to fight them without a proper cause. Therefore, try to leave mining bees alone, unless they are a nuisance to yourself or perhaps a danger to children or pets. Mining bees may well live in colonies, which can lead to fear of bee stings if the colony is a place where humans and pets often roam, such as the terrace. Since mining bees like to be in the ground, they will not typically be found under roofs or in trees. However, you can easily prevent against mining bees in the same way that you prevent against honeybees. An ordinary insect powder can work wonders if you want to get rid of a small colony of mining bees. Once you have found the entrance holes of the mining bees to their nest, you can powder the entrance. Make family and guests aware of the powder, and be sure to keep small children and pets from touching it, as it can be dangerous.
"Pests in House and Home"
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"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
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