Ivy bees?

[MrsCremuel]

We have a willow tree swamped with ivy. It’s suddenly swarming with what I think are bees but look like small wasps. There are absolutely loads. I’ll try and get a pic. They are very busy and mainly up in the tree but some are also on the ground. I have a toddler and wanted to check if I should be keeping him well away? The tree takes over most of the middle of the garden and the most usable space. Some do occasionally fly at/near me but haven’t seemed to bothered by us.

I am happy that our out of control garden is such a haven for wildlife but wanted to check I wasn’t being naive and ignoring a big hazard?

Not hover flies are they? My dc always mistakes them for wasps/bees although they are smaller. They generally seem quite inquisitive but are harmless (and great pollinators)

www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/bees-and-wasps/ivy-bee
There really is an Ivy Bee. They are solitary bees (don't live in a big nest but in individual burrows in sandy soil)
Lovely little things, they have a tiny sting that is similar to perhaps stinging nettle than wasp sting. Overall harmless. Hope this helps!

Flamethrower.

Might need a new tree afterwards.