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Photo#639458
Is it a bee? - Colletes thoracicus

Is it a bee? - Colletes thoracicus
Towson, Baltimore County, Maryland, USA
May 4, 2012
Size: 1"
These bees are burrowing in the ground near our front door, and my husband is allergic to bees. I know bees are important pollinators and so don't want to harm them, but is there any safe way to encourage them to go elsewhere (like covering the holes they make)? There are many bees swarming low to the ground, coming in and out of holes.

Also, so that I can be better prepared if he gets stung, can you please tell me:
1) what kind of bee it is
2) if it is aggressive in nature
3) how long it should be present
4) if it will come back every year in the same location

Thank you

Moved

Colletes thoracicus male
Harmless and beneficial

Leave alone so they can pollinate

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

The nesting pattern you describe
is typical of solitary bees. There may be many in one location, but that's only because the soil there is suitable for nesting. Each hole is the nest of a single female.

Solitary bees do not aggressively defend their nests/territories in the manner of honey bees and other social Hymenoptera. Although they are capable of stinging, they won't unless they are handled, stepped on, etc.

Others will be able to give you a positive ID, and answer some of your other questions.

Welcome to BugGuide!

 
Note that
Andrena do not sting people even if handled

 
Never would have guessed that.
Many thanks for the correction!

Yes
This is a bee, maybe a species of Andrena. Our bee guys should be able to tell you more about it. (I took the liberty of cropping your image to remove all the unnecessary background)

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