If you’ve spent time outside in Michigan, you’ve seen bees buzzing around flowers, trees, and gardens. Did you know that the Great Lakes State is home to 460 native bee species, many of which play a vital role in pollinating plants and crops; some can become a problem, especially if they build a nest near your home.
Whether you’re near Detroit, the Upper Peninsula, or closer to Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo, here’s what you need to know about these pollinators that keep our ecosystem healthy.
Key Takeaways
- Most bees in Michigan can be identified by where they nest and signs like sawdust or soil mounds.
- You can often tell the bee type by its size, color, and how it behaves around flowers during different times of year.
- Local groups like MSU and Michigan Beekeepers Association help with bee identification and protecting native pollinators.
- A local pest control company can remove nests, seal entry points, and keep bees away from decks, siding, and attics.
How to Tell Which Bees of Michigan Are on Your Property
Bees show up in all kinds of places around Michigan, lawns, siding, gardens, you name it. And figuring out which kind of bee you’re seeing can help you decide whether to leave it alone or call in some help.
Here’s how to tell them apart:
Look at Where They Build Their Nests
Different Michigan bees like different places to build their homes.
Carpenter bees drill into wood like decks and railings, often leaving smooth holes and sawdust piles. If you see smooth, round holes and piles of sawdust, that’s likely carpenter bee damage. On the other hand, miner bees dig small tunnels in bare soil, often in lawns or garden beds.
Pay Attention to Their Size and Color
In North America, bee species come in all shapes and sizes. For instance:
- Bumblebees are large and fuzzy with black and yellow bodies.
- Honey bees are smaller and more golden-brown, with fine hairs covering their bodies.
- Green sweat bees are smaller and metallic green, making them easy to spot in the sun.
- Masked bees are tiny and mostly black with pale markings on their faces.
Knowing how they look helps tell the difference between bees and wasps, which are usually shiny with narrow waists.
Watch What They Do Around Flowers
Bees are most active around flowering plants, especially in summer.
Some, like long-horned bees, show up during certain times of the season and stick to specific flowers. Squash bees, for example, pollinate pumpkin and squash plants early in the morning.
Leafcutter bees cut neat circles out of leaves, while cuckoo bees lay eggs in other bees’ nests instead of building their own.
Think About the Season
Not all bees are around at the same time.
Native pollinators like mason bees often appear in spring. Goldenrod and wildflowers blooming in late summer attract many different kinds of bees.
If you know what time of year certain bees are active, it helps you figure out what you’re seeing.
Use Local Resources If You’re Not Sure
If you’re having trouble identifying the common bees in Michigan, you can always check with local experts.
Michigan State University (MSU), the University of Michigan, and the Michigan Beekeepers Association offer info about native bee entomology.
These groups help protect pollinators and support beekeepers who raise honey bees and manage beehives across the state.
How to Manage Bee Problems in Michigan
Once you know what kind of bees are hanging around, it’s time to keep them from settling in too close.
Whether they’re going after your deck or building nests near entryways, there are simple things you can do to prevent bee problems while still being smart about native pollinators.
Stop Them From Nesting Near Your Home
One way to prevent bee problems is by keeping them from making a home on your property. Bees like the small carpenter bees often go after untreated wood.
Sealing cracks, painting outdoor wood, and fixing damaged siding can help stop them.
Handle Active Bee Nests Safely
If bees have already built a nest near your porch, attic, or deck, it’s best not to try removing it yourself. Some sting when they feel threatened.
Our team wears safety gear and uses the right tools to treat or remove nests. We know how to handle large beehives and problems without harming nearby native pollinators.
Tidy Up Your Yard With Bees in Mind
Keeping your lawn trimmed and moving flowering plants away from doors or play areas helps lower bee activity around people.
At the same time, you can still plant native plants and wildflowers in spots where bees can visit safely. This way, you’re helping the environment while reducing the chance of getting stung.
Get Help With Bee Control From Pest Pros of Michigan
Living with bees can be a part of life in Michigan, but that doesn’t mean you have to share your home with them.
At Pest Pros of Michigan, we know how to handle all types of bee problems, from carpenter bees drilling holes to active bee nests buzzing under your deck.
We use safe and effective methods that keep your home protected while supporting the important bees that help our gardens grow.
Whether you’re dealing with buzzing decks or uninvited guests in your attic, we’re here to help before it becomes a bigger issue. Contact us now to schedule your bee control service.
