We have lots of species of bees in New Hampshire that dig solitary nests in soil. Many started digging just this week.

They prefer sandy soil that has a bare surface, but tolerate some sparse vegetation. Each female bee builds one burrow for herself, in which to store food and rear young. If a patch of ground is particularly attractive, lots of bees may build burrows close together there. They are not particularly aggressive.

If their presence is objectionable, you can cover the soil with mulch, or grow grass or other thick ground cover. Adding mulch is a quick solution; growing plants takes time to work.

Alan Eaton, UNH Cooperative Extension Professor/Specialist, Entomology, says pesticides are NOT recommended; these are valuable pollinators, and honeybees (closely related species) are having serious problems here in New Hampshire.

Here's a fact sheet to learn more.