Sounds more like wasps. Most home remedies and pesticides don't really work that well. First, identify what they are. Then contact your local extension office for ideas.

They could also be bumble bees or solitary bees. They nest in various locations, woodpiles, railroad ties, in the ground, etc. The only real way to prevent them from nesting is to remove desireable nesting sites. Some (loose dirt and cracks in railroad ties) are more desireable than others and can be sealed or removed reducing the chance, but short of paving the yard (and carefully sealing any cracks) you won't eliminate every possible nesting location.

thanks for the info. one nest looked to be yellow jackets. they made a large hole under a tie and built what looked like a paper nest from white face hornets. those bees were nasty!! thanks again. bernie.