Are Solitry Bees A Protected Species?

[cassa333]

Are you allowed to kill them?

They have made their home in the mortar under the paving on the path and I want to know if they are protected or if I can kill them?

Thank you

[EcclesCake]

Before I answer, why do you want to kill them?

[Old_Geezer]

Honey bees ? Surely a beekeeper would be happy to take them off your hands (path).

[dannyk13]

They not protected, councils are often called upon to send someone to destroy bees that have nested in houses.

[craft1948]

Even I don't kill bees, and I'm a spider and wasp murderer...

[mazie]

Hi twin, long time no see xxx Please don't kill Bees or wasps we need them

[dannyk13]

Having said that I would leave them alone.They are social insects and provide a use to the environment.

[mazie]

Mind you I killed two wasps last year by sitting on them.... they got me in the end though :o(

[EcclesCake]

The only circumstance I will support killing them is if someone in the household has a severe allergy to bee stings.

Otherwise they should be left well alone to do their good deeds.

[ummmm]

I'm allergic to bees and I wouldn't kill one.

[Khandro]

Why on earth would you want to kill such a lovely (God´s) creature as a bee? You should be happy to share your dwelling with it/them. Please perish the thought.

[melv16]

Leave them alone & they'll leave you alone. That goes for wasps and spiders as well.

[Baldric]

http://www.walkingthetmb.com/beeswarm/arebeesaprotectedspecies.html

[wiltsman]

They may not be protected - but why would you want to kill them?

[cassa333]

because they are under the path and are burrowing away at the mortar that holds the path together.

If you would like to come around and 'save' them and relocate them to a more appropriate place you are welcome to do so. Otherwise it is the chop I'm afraid.

[Khandro]

Sorry but they don't burrow they just need the tiniest crevice

[EcclesCake]

That really isn't any reason to kill them and they are just as likely to reappear in another location in your garden.

[dannyk13]

Never heard of bees burrowing into mortar.Are you sure that there is some damage to your mortar, and if so might there not be some other reason for it.

[melv16]

They'll be gone in a few weeks, leave 'em alone, they're not doing you any harm!

[Mamyalynne]

As Baldric's link suggests - contact a local beekeeper for advice.

[EcclesCake]

Beekeepers will only collect swarms of honey bees, they are unlikely to bother assist with mason bees.