Bees and the arrival of Spring: Understanding Bumblebees, Mason Bees, and Minor Bees

Bees and the arrival of spring, and the first of our seasonal friends—bumblebees, mason bees, and minor bees—begin to appear. These bees aren’t pests; they are essential contributors to our ecosystem and play a vital role in pollination.

Minor Bees

Minor bees, often seen nesting in the ground, are solitary insects. While it may seem like hundreds are present, Bees and the arrival of spring simply focuses bees on quickly building a nest to lay their eggs. Their presence is temporary, and they pose no harm. If you’re concerned, simply wearing footwear in the garden is enough to avoid any interaction. There’s no need for removal as they soon move on.

Mason Bees

Mason bees, commonly referred to as “mortar bees,” use small holes in mortar, wood, or other structures to nest. These bees do not sting and are harmless. Like minor bees, they are only around for a short time, making them more of a curiosity than a nuisance. We recommend simply observing their fascinating behaviour.

Bumblebees

When it comes to bumblebees, we can relocate certain species depending on the situation and the location of their nests. However, we strongly advise leaving them undisturbed when possible, as they are beneficial pollinators. If removal is necessary, we prioritise the safety of both the bees and your property.

Managing Minor and Mason Bees

While minor and mason bees may seem like a nuisance, they do not pose any real threat. For mortar bees, we suggest sealing any external holes in your walls before they start nesting. For minor bees, if you find them bothersome, a simple sprinkler system can deter them. However, in most cases, we recommend allowing them to complete their short lifecycle undisturbed.

The Importance of Pollinators

All these species—bumblebees, mason bees, and minor bees—are fantastic pollinators. In fact, mason bees are considered just as effective, if not more so, than honey bees when it comes to pollination. Their presence, though brief, provides substantial benefits to your garden and the environment.

Before contacting us, please consider the value these bees bring and the limited time they are active. In the vast majority of cases, our advice will be to let them remain in place for the few weeks they are around. Should you need guidance or support, we are here to help with tailored solutions based on your specific situation.