Underground Bees

[vikkib]

'Evengin all!

My other half and I moved into our current house about a year ago and I've recently noticed some bees disappearing down a crack/hole in the concrete near our back door (a few feet away).

I just wondered if it's common for bees to 'nest' underground? I'm wondering if they have a nest (right term?!) under the ground. The cracks are being caused by a sycamore tree in our neighbours garden so I'm wondering if they are living in/amongst the roots of the tree.

I worked for the National Blood Service a few years back and we had some 'underground bees' on our site and we weren't allowed to get rid of them because they were a protected species apparently.

I'm also wondering whether they will pose a risk to us (my other half is phobic of bees and wasps) or whether they will actually be good for the veg I will try to be growing in the garden.

[Two_Sheds]

they'll be Mason Bees. No sting.
The English Cottage Garden Nursery RED MASON BEES (osmia rufa)

[vikkib]

Thanks for the link Two_Sheds!

How exciting... I really hope they are Red Mason bees. I am going to try and get a bit closer to have a proper look at what they look like!

I've just planted out some Thyme and Oregano and have a huge heap of moist topsoil a couple of metres from the nest so, according to the link, they should be quite happy there!