How to Get Rid of Sweat Bees - 9 Effective Solutions

Sweat bees were very active this year as a result of increasing temperatures and humidity. Probably you were rewarded with seeing such a tiny insect.

This tiny bee is seldom spotted by people and is commonly misinterpreted as flies because of its special metallic color.

And although bees are useful, docile, and small they may become nuisance pests as they reside in your home.

But why are sweat bees so dangerous to humans and how does one kill sweat bees?

Here are some tips on how to get rid of sweat bees and keep them from bugging you all summer long.

What are Sweat Bees?

Many Sweat bees are sometimes mistakenly identified as flies despite having sometimes metallic colors. They are a smaller kind of bee found all around and they look like wasps.

There are over 1000 types of bees in US waters today. Many sweat bee species come in various colors and can sweat bee nest in wooded areas and cracks. They can be found in swarms and also solitary insects.

Sometimes confused as flies, the sweat bee generally doesn't bother anyone due to its rare stinging effect.

Similarly stinging is the least painful among the bees. However, sweat bees can prove troublesome when temperatures get hot or humidity increases.

What do Sweat Bees look like?

Unlike honey bees, sweat bees generally vary in color. The most common colors are black and yellow.

They might also be reddish, brown, or even metallic green or blue. Most of them are 0.125 inches long with some being as big as 0.5 inches in length.

The abdomen is usually hairy and sometimes has stripes. The legs are also hairy and they have pollen baskets on them.

The wings are clear with yellow veins running through them. Females have a stinger while males don't.

Where Do Sweat Bees Live?

Different bee species of this group live in many various habitats. The overwhelming majority of sweat bees make their nests underground; a minority nest in decomposed wood.

Adults forage for pollen and nectar among flowers in fields, gardens, grasslands, roadsides, and other open places where flowers are abundant.

Where Do Sweat Bees Nest?

As mentioned earlier, most of the species build their nests in the ground, in soil burrows, or nest in rotten wood. The nest may be as simple as a few cells or it could have dozens or even hundreds of cells.

The female sweat bee will construct the nest and provision it with pollen and nectar for her larvae. Some bee species are social while others are not.

The social ones will have a queen bee while the others will not. After the eggs hatch, the larvae will stay in their nests until they turn into adults.

See Also: How to Get Rid of Bees Without Killing Them

Are Sweat Bees Dangerous?

Sweat bees are not naturally aggressive and will only sting humans if they feel threatened.

The stinger of a sweat bee is barbless, so it can easily pull the stinger out of its victim without causing much damage.

However, some people may be allergic to their venom and could have a severe reaction.

People who are allergic to bees should seek medical help immediately if they are stung.

Do Sweat Bees Really Sting?

Do Sweat Bees Really Sting? Well, that all depends on what you mean by "sting." If you're referring to the kind of painful, puncturing sting that some bees can deliver, then the answer is no.

Sweat bees are not equipped with the long, sharp stinger that honeybees and other types of bees have.

However, if you're talking about a more general sense of the word "sting," as in getting a feeling of irritation, allergy, or discomfort, then the answer is yes.

Are Sweat Bees Dangerous for Dogs?

As a dog owner, you're probably always on the lookout for bees. After all, we all know that bees can sting, and that stings can be painful for our furry friends.

But what about sweat bees? Are these tiny insects dangerous for dogs?

The short answer is no, sweat bees are not dangerous for dogs. In fact, they're actually quite harmless.

Sweat bees get their name from their propensity to land on humans and animals in order to collect sweat, which they use as a source of food.

What Attracts Sweat Bees?

Now that we know a little bit more about sweat bees, let's take a look at what attracts them. There are a few things that can attract sweat bees to your property, including:

• Sweat: As you might have guessed, sweat is one of the main things that attract sweat bees. They're attracted to the salt in human sweat, and they'll often land on people in order to collect it.
• Flowers: Sweat bees are also attracted to flowers, as they use pollen as a source of food. If you have a garden or other flowers on your property, sweat bees may be drawn to them.
• Lights: Like many other insects, sweat bees are attracted to lights. If you have outdoor lights on your property, they may be attracting sweat bees (and other insects) to your property.

Now that you know what attracts sweat bees, you can take steps to avoid attracting them to your property.

Are Sweat Bees Beneficial Insects?

While sweat bees may not be the most popular insects around, they actually play an important role in our ecosystem.

Sweat bees are pollinators, which means they help to fertilize plants by transferring pollen from one plant to another.

Without pollinators like sweat bees, many plants would struggle to reproduce and eventually die out. So, even though they may be a nuisance to us, sweat bees are actually beneficial insects.

How to Get Rid of Sweat Bees Safely

The best way to get rid of sweat bees is to make your property less attractive to them. There are a few different ways that you can get rid of sweat bees safely:

1. Sweat Bee Traps

One of the most effective ways to get rid of sweat bees is to use a sweat bee trap. You can purchase bee traps at your local hardware store or online.

Be sure to place the traps in areas where you've seen the most bee activity. The bees will be drawn in by the sweat nectar and will become stuck in the sweat bee trap.

Check inside the traps regularly and dispose of the bees immediately.

2. How to Get Rid of Sweat Bees Using Bee Spray (Aerosol)

If you're looking for a more immediate solution, you may want to try using bee spray. This type of aerosol spray is designed to kill bees on contact, providing quick relief from these pesky pests.

Bee spray can be found at most hardware stores or online retailers. Just be sure to read the instructions carefully before using it, as some bee sprays can be harmful to humans if not used correctly.

3. How to Get Rid of Sweat Bees Using Ground Bee Insecticide

Looking for a long-term solution? If so, consider using an insecticide designed specifically for ground bees.

This type of product will kill bees on contact and also help prevent new ones from moving in. To use, simply apply the insecticide evenly over any areas where you've seen bee activity.

Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when applying, using insecticides can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.

4. Sweat Bee Repellent

Finally, if you'd rather not use any harsh chemicals, there are some natural repellents that can keep bees at bay.

One popular option is essential oils such as citronella or eucalyptus oil. Simply combine these oils with water in a spray bottle and spritz them around your home or yard as needed as it helps repels sweat bees.

You can also plant these oils in your garden to keep bees away from your flowers and crops.

5.  Repel Sweat Bees with Essential Oils

You can make your own natural insect repellent by combining essential oils like lemon eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, or peppermint with water in a spray bottle and they are effective against sweat bees. Just make sure to reapply every couple of hours for maximum protection.

6. Good Personal Hygiene

This one might seem obvious, but it's worth stating nevertheless. If you're sweaty, bees will be attracted to you.

So, try to stay cool and dry as much as possible. Wear loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers like cotton that breathe well.

And if you're going to be outside for an extended period of time, consider putting on some light mosquito repellent for added protection.

7. Wear Long Sleeves And Pants

Covering up is another great way to keep bees away from your skin. If it's too hot to wear long sleeves and pants during the day, try doing so in the evening when the temperature starts to cool down.

You can also treat your clothes with insecticidal soap or an all-natural bug spray like the ones mentioned above.

8. Use Mothballs

Mothballs are an effective yet somewhat controversial method to kill bees (especially carpenter bees).

They give off a toxic gas that repels many types of insects, but it can also be harmful to humans and animals if used improperly.

We recommend using mothballs only as a last resort and following the directions on the package very carefully if you do choose to use them.

9. Selective Planting

Finally, you can also try planting certain types of plants that repel sweat bees naturally. Some good options include basil, sage, mint, lemongrass, and catnip.

You can also try growing some of these plants in pots near areas where you spend a lot of time outdoors like your patio or deck.

Don't let bees ruin your summer fun! With a little preparation, you can get rid of them for good using one (or more) of these methods.

Treating a Minor Sweat Bee Sting

The following natural treatments for minor bee stings can be used:

• To reduce swelling, apply an ice cube or cold, wet towel to the area.
• Take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
• Apply calamine lotion to reduce itching and swelling.
• Apply baking soda and water paste to the sting area for relief from pain, itching, and swelling.
• To ease the pain of a sting, immerse the area in vinegar or place a cloth soaked in vinegar on it.
• A paste made of meat tenderizer and water can help reduce pain and itching from a sweat bee bite or sting.
• To ease the pain of a bee sting, Wet an aspirin tablet and put it on the spot.

If your swelling and redness get worse or don't improve, you might need to see a doctor and get a prescription for an oral or topical anti-inflammatory medication, such as steroids.

Preventing a Future Sweat Bee Infestation Tips

To keep sweat bees away from your home and property, try the following tips:

• Eliminate or reduce sources of sweat-smelling food and drinks, such as soda cans or bottles, open fruit bowls, and garbage cans.
• Cover trash containers with lids.
• Keep flower gardens clean and free of debris where bees can hide.
• Trim weeds and grass around your property so bees don't have a place to nest.
• Use screens on doors and windows to keep bees from coming inside your home.
• Inspect packages or boxes of food before bringing them into your home, as sweat bees may be hiding inside.
• Be aware that sweat bees are attracted to the sweat of humans and animals, so try to stay clean and dry if you are outdoors in an area where bees are present.
• Wash clothes that have been worn outside as soon as possible, as sweat from your body can attract bees.
• If you see a sweat bee nest on your property, call a professional pest control company to have it removed.

Following these tips, you can help prevent sweat bees from becoming a problem on your property.

If you do find yourself with an infestation, however, don't hesitate to call a professional for help.

Call a Professional Pest Removal Service

If you have a sweat bee problem that you can't seem to solve on your own, it's time to call in the professionals.

At 24h Pest Pros, we have the experience and expertise to get rid of sweat bees quickly and efficiently.

We also offer a variety of other pest control services to keep your home or business free of all types of pests.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have and give you a quote for our services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What home remedy kills sweat bees?

There is no one home remedy that will kill all sweat bees, but there are a variety of methods you can try. Some options include using insecticidal soap, essential oils, or traps.

Will vinegar get rid of sweat bees?

Yes, vinegar can help get rid of sweat bees. You can either spray it directly on them or use it to make a DIY trap.

How to get rid of sweat bees around my pool?

To get rid of sweat bees around your pool, you'll need to take away their food and water sources.

This includes eliminating sweat-smelling food and drinks, as well as standing water. You should also trim any weeds or grass around the pool area.

Final Thought

In summary, there are a variety of ways to know how to get rid of sweat bees which were listed above.

Which method you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the severity of the infestation.

However, if you have a large number of sweat bees, you may need to contact a professional. Thank you for reading! We hope this article has been helpful.