Masonry Bees
Key
Features of Masonry Bees
Masonry bees are normally harmless, their sting
seemingly unable to penetrate human skin.
Biology
Unlike honey bees these are solitary insects. They nest
in a wide range of cavities some of which they excavate
themselves. The nest particles are glued together with
saliva.
Significance
On occasions masonry bees can present a problem due
to their ability to build nests by tunnelling through
soft brick mortar, generally in older properties. Only
rarely do large numbers occur together but due to the
fact that vulnerable buildings tend to be repeatedly
attacked, quite severe damage can occur over several
seasons.
Modern houses are not immune either. Small gaps left
in otherwise sound mortar may be colonised. Although
this is not a problem from a structural point of view,
some householders are distressed by such activity.
Control
In the long term, re-pointing with sound mortar is the
only answer. This must be thorough however, as bees
hunting for a nest site will soon locate areas that
have been missed. Small individual holes are easily
filled. Treatment with insecticides is not normally
necessary but where damage is serious or great distress
is being caused, insecticides can be used. Application
of an insecticide to the entry hole will quickly kill
the occupants.
