Bees of the Midwest USA: Understanding, Encouraging, and Keeping Them Safe at Home

The Midwest United States hosts a rich tapestry of bees, from native solitary species to the more familiar honeybees. These pollinators play a crucial role in agriculture, gardens, and natural ecosystems, supporting crops like apples, almonds, berries, and many wildflowers. In urban and rural settings alike, bees can become part of our daily lives—sometimes visiting gardens, entering structures in search of shelter, or building nests in obvious places such as wall cavities or attics.  Most bees are capable of stinging, but many are non-aggressive and will retreat if left undisturbed. Understanding the bees you might encounter, how to coexist with them, and how to keep them away from indoor spaces can help protect both people and pollinators.

Common Midwest bees and their behavior

Honey bees (Apis mellifera): Social colonies housed in skeps, hives, or natural cavities. They are essential pollinators, generally not aggressive unless provoked or their hive is threatened. They can be attracted to flowering plants near homes and may occasionally enter structures seeking a warm shelter.

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.): Large, fuzzy bees that nest in the ground or in insulating cavities such as rotted wood and abandoned rodent burrows. They are typically gentle but can sting if their nest is disturbed.

Carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.): Large, shiny bees that drill circular holes into untreated wood to create nesting galleries. They can be mistaken for yellowjackets or wasps and may cause cosmetic damage if nesting in wooden structures.-

Ground-nesting bees (various families): Many bees nest underground in bare, sun-exposed patches. They are usually non-aggressive and are beneficial garden visitors.

Mason bees (Osmia spp.) and other cavity-nesting bees: Solitary bees that use hollow stems, drill into wood, or use man-made nesting blocks. They contribute significantly to pollination with minimal risk to humans.

Honey bees and carpenter bees can be defensive, especially if their nest is threatened.- Allergies: Bee stings can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you or a family member has a known allergy, have an action plan and emergency medications (like an epinephrine auto-injector) as advised by a healthcare professional.

Structural concerns: Carpenter bees nesting in wood can cause cosmetic damage over time if nests become extensive. Creating a bee-friendly yet safe home environment.

Landscape strategies  - Plant diverse, bloom-rich gardens that provide nectar and pollen across seasons. Native plants are especially beneficial for native bee species.  Provide water sources in shallow dishes with rocks for perching, especially during hot periods.  - Reduce pesticide use. If needed, choose targeted, pollinator-friendly products and apply when bees are not active (early morning or late evening) and according to label directions.- Nesting and habitat management  Leave some bare, sun-exposed soil patches for ground-nesting bees if appropriate for your yard.  Install bee hotels or habitat blocks with drilled holes or natural stems to support cavity-nesting species like mason bees, but ensure these do not become hubs for pests or disease.  Seal entry points to prevent bees from entering living spaces, while avoiding harming a nest if it’s outside and non-threatening. If a nest is indoors, contact a licensed pest professional or a local beekeeping association for safe relocation.

If bees enter the home occasionally, calmly guide them toward an open exterior door or window using a box and gently coax them outside. Do not swat; sudden movements can provoke stings.  Maintain screens on windows and doors to reduce accidental entry.  - Keep food and sugary drinks sealed to avoid attracting foraging bees indoors.

Natural and low-toxicity deterrents for occasional indoor visitors- Essential oils and aromatics: Some bees are deterred by strong scents such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus oils when used around entry points or near potential nesting sites. Use cautiously and avoid direct application on skin or near food. Light traps and baits: Typically not recommended for bees; these are more suitable for other insect pests. For bees, non-lethal exclusion and habitat modification is preferred. Physical barriers: Weather stripping, door sweeps, and intact screens are effective at keeping bees from entering indoor spaces.

When to call a professional: If you suspect a large honey bee hive or a persistent swarm near your home.- If a carpenter bee nest is actively tunneling in structural wood and causing damage.- If someone in the household has a severe bee-related allergy or there is a risk of repeated stings.

Bees and conservation:

Pollinators are in decline in many regions due to habitat loss, pesticides, and disease. Supporting bee health benefits ecosystems, agriculture, and biodiversity.- Consider partnering with local beekeeping clubs or native pollinator groups to learn safe, ethical ways to support bee populations in your community.

Sources-

Center for Biological Diversity, Pollinators- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service: Pollinator Habitat Grant Program-

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine:

Status of Pollinators in North America- University extension services (e.g., Iowa State University Extension, Michigan State University Extension) on local pollinators and gardening for bees-

Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: Native Bees and Habitat Resources