Relocating ground-nesting bees

Hi folks. tldr is it possible to relocate their nesting chambers?

I’ve been building a new stone retaining wall, and where I cut back the bank, the ground- nesting bees moved in. They’re pleasant to work alongside, but now I fear I may have to destroy their nests. It’s time for me to backfill the wall. I’m sure it’s impossible for the next generation of adults to burrow through the several feet packed clay that’ll be above them.

From what I understand, this bee’s life cycle is that they create solitary chambers within which they create food balls that they lay eggs upon. The larva hatch, feed, and burrow out as adults the following spring.

There is no more adult activity, so I’m sure that the adult cycle is complete. I can’t wait until next spring  to complete this project. I’m hoping that it’s possible to VERY carefully dig down and try to find the food balls with eggs or young larvae. Next I would probably make chambers elsewhere in a safer part of the property and hope for the best. I’m also considering making a clear top box packed with earth  (except on top) to keep in the basement (with just a couple of specimens) so that the kids (and I) can observe the development. I think the basement is probably the most comparable place climactically.  

What do you think?

Thanks,
Daniel

if the only alternative is burying them, you might as well try. I have no advice about how to go about it, unfortunately.

the wall looks nice.

Thanks!