It can be very concerning indeed when you first realise something unusual is happening right outside your back door!
I’ve had lots of people asking about the bees appearing in their lawns—and whether they’re dangerous!
They’re Tree ivy bees (Colletes hederae), a solitary bee that nests deep underground, usually in light, sandy soil in warm, sunny spots.
The word “solitary” can be a little misleading. Each bee has its own nest and entrance hole, but they often live alongside hundreds of others. This is why they may first come to your attention when you notice large numbers of them flying just a few centimetres above the ground.
There’s no need to worry, though. They’re busy bees going about their own business and won’t sting you if left alone. They’re only around for a short time, usually appearing in early September and disappearing by November.
As their name suggests, tree ivy bees rely heavily on ivy flowers for food. Nature has timed their emergence to coincide with ivy flowering, which is also one of the last major sources of nectar for honeybees and other pollinators before winter.
So, if you spot them in your lawn, enjoy watching them—they’re harmless and doing an important job!
