Masonry bees: What Issues Do They Cause and Are They Really a Pest?

What Are Mortar Bees?

Mortar bees, also known as masonry bees, belong to the solitary bee family. Unlike honeybees or bumblebees, they do not live in colonies or produce honey. These bees often nest in small holes or gaps found in brickwork, mortar joints, or stone walls, especially in older buildings.

You can commonly spot masonry bees in spring and early summer, as this is their peak nesting season. They pose no threat to humans, and most people only notice them because of their presence near brick walls.

How to Identify Mortar Bees

• Size and Appearance: Masonry bees resemble honeybees but usually appear smaller and slightly fuzzier. They often have a golden-brown or ginger colouring.
• Behaviour: These bees hover close to brickwork, especially where mortar has eroded. They often fly alone rather than in swarms.
• Nest Holes: You may notice small, circular holes in soft mortar or between bricks, often around 6mm in diameter. Fresh dust beneath these holes also indicates recent activity.

Are Mortar Bees Dangerous?

Masonry bees do not attack humans. In fact, females only sting if directly provoked, and their sting feels mild in comparison to wasps or hornets.

Because they do not swarm or aggressively defend their nests, these bees present very low risk to children, pets, or the public.

What Damage Can Mortar Bees Cause?

The biggest concern with masonry bees lies in their choice of nesting site. When mortar weakens or crumbles, it attracts female bees seeking soft material to burrow into.

Although one or two bees rarely cause serious harm, repeated nesting over several years may create the following issues:

• Structural Deterioration: If many bees choose the same wall, the brickwork may weaken over time, especially if it already suffers from age-related wear.
• Water Ingress: The holes they create can allow rainwater to seep into walls, leading to internal damp patches or frost damage in winter.
• Repeated Infestation: Bees often return to the same spot yearly, and the nesting behaviour encourages more bees to target that location.

Properties in historic towns like Didcot and Wallingford often feature traditional brickwork that appeals to mortar bees.

Do You Need to Get Rid of Mortar Bees?

In most situations, masonry bees do not require removal. Their ecological value outweighs the limited damage they cause.

However, you should take action if:

• Their nesting compromises your property’s structural integrity
• Their presence becomes excessive or continuous each spring
• You plan to repoint or renovate affected brickwork

Eco-Friendly Ways to Manage Mortar Bees

• Repointing Brickwork: Repair and repoint any damaged or soft mortar using a high-quality mix. This prevents bees from nesting while maintaining your building’s appearance.
• Bee Houses: Encourage bees to relocate by installing bee hotels in your garden. These artificial nesting spots appeal to solitary bees and reduce their interest in your walls.
• Seasonal Timing: Carry out repairs outside of spring to avoid disturbing active bees. Autumn works best for repointing.
• Avoid Pesticides: Chemicals harm pollinators and disrupt local biodiversity. Instead, use physical repairs and prevention to deter mortar bees naturally.

These steps protect your property and support the local environment—especially important in semi-rural areas like South Oxfordshire.

Professional Help for Bee Problems

If you feel uncertain about mortar bee activity around your property, or the problem has grown over several years, seek expert advice. Pest control professionals can:

• Assess the scale of the issue
• Offer safe and sustainable solutions
• Recommend repair work or suggest alternative nesting sites

At Shire Pest Solutions, we provide honest advice with eco-conscious methods. Our team respects the role of bees in the ecosystem while helping you protect your home. If you’re located in Didcot, Wallingford, or anywhere in Oxfordshire, contact us for an inspection or consultation.

Conclusion

Masonry bees play an important role in supporting pollination and biodiversity. They rarely cause significant problems, but repeated nesting can lead to minor structural concerns over time.

Rather than viewing them as pests, take a proactive approach by maintaining your mortar, using bee-friendly alternatives, and seeking professional guidance when needed. You can protect both your property and the pollinators that help our environment thrive.