Hover Bees

Discussion in 'Wildlife Corner' started by kriss, May 1, 2020.

  1. kriss

    kriss Gardener

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2011
    Messages:
    146
    Ratings:
    +79
    Our garden is quite small and narrow so we are a bit concerned about the amount of hovering bees that seem to always occupy the same spots!!!

    we have two young kids so are a little worried.

    I think they may be carpenter bees. They seem to just stay in the same spots for hours on end.

    can we humanly deter them from being in these spots?
     
  2. wiseowl

    wiseowl Admin Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2006
    Messages:
    44,872
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Philosophy of people
    Location:
    In a barn somewhere in North Kent
    Ratings:
    +91,974
    Good morning @kriss is there any chance of an image it would help my friend;):smile:


    But until you can identify them,please be careful

    Carpenter bees do not bite. The female does have a stinger but will only sting if directly handled; the female is not generally aggressive.

    ps I shall leave your post in this forum but shall move it for you in to The "ID forum if you don't get an answer here my friend:smile:
     
  3. NigelJ

    NigelJ Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2012
    Messages:
    6,755
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Mad Scientist
    Location:
    Paignton Devon
    Ratings:
    +22,975
    • Like Like x 1
    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

      Joined:
      Jan 9, 2005
      Messages:
      51,027
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired
      Location:
      Mid Kent
      Ratings:
      +93,703
      I'm getting lots of those bees at the moment.
      Definitely bees,I put a picture up in the what's buzzing thread a couple of weeks ago.
      They have long legs that hang down some times.

      Just don't mess with them and they won't bother you. :smile:
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • Agree Agree x 1
      • kriss

        kriss Gardener

        Joined:
        Jan 30, 2011
        Messages:
        146
        Ratings:
        +79
        Looking online... I’m 95% certain it’s these bee flies...

        we are just a little worried as we a 4 year old and a 5 day old newborn! The bees always occupy the same spots... hovering in the same spot all day!!! 1FA47E1A-FB7F-4F42-A077-3BB43D44E8C9.jpeg
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • Informative Informative x 1
        • NigelJ

          NigelJ Total Gardener

          Joined:
          Jan 31, 2012
          Messages:
          6,755
          Gender:
          Male
          Occupation:
          Mad Scientist
          Location:
          Paignton Devon
          Ratings:
          +22,975
          Beeflies are harmless, like hoverflies they mimic bees and wasps for protection. They use the long "snout" to feed on nectar.
          See Bombyliidae - Wikipedia for more details.
           
          • Like Like x 1
          • pete

            pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

            Joined:
            Jan 9, 2005
            Messages:
            51,027
            Gender:
            Male
            Occupation:
            Retired
            Location:
            Mid Kent
            Ratings:
            +93,703
            These are the ones I'm getting. Not a great picture but no long spike at the front.
            DSC_0092.JPG
             
          • kriss

            kriss Gardener

            Joined:
            Jan 30, 2011
            Messages:
            146
            Ratings:
            +79
            Pete, I’m getting those too!!! They just look like bees to me, but without the stripes.

            they hover on the same spot for hours which is weird. Hopefully once more plants flower, they will be confined to the borders.

            Our garden is narrow so it’s not ideal for the kids being out.
             
            • Like Like x 1
            Loading...

            Share This Page

            1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
              By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
              Dismiss Notice