To be fucking upset that my neighbours

[PisforPeter]

Have started keeping mason bees??
They look like wasps but are mason bees apparently. We live in new build houses so gardens are small & our patio area is now full of these insects. I'm so upset & have 2 young dc's. What can I do??

Are they keeping them in hives?

www.parentmap.com/article/keeping-mason-bees-10-expert-tips-for-families
According to this they're completely non stinging and safe.

So you've nothing to be bothered about?

They're harmless aren't they?

Why would you think you can, or should, do anything?

And they only live ten weeks and will be dead next month.

But they are swarming round our heads and we can't eat or play outside??

That article is fascinating, they're kept solely to pollinate fruit bushes in the area.

I'm going to get some after reading that

Thanks OP

Why? What do you think will happen to you?

They don't 'swarm' - they're solitary and harmless. Why can't you eat or play if they're harmless?

Bees are really important. I wouldn't be too upset until they actually prove to be a nuisance.

I believe mason bees are popular because they are very non-aggressive - they do not sting unless you actually sit on one or something. I understand why it would be alarming not knowing this but they are not going to do your kids any harm. And bees are both terribly important for the eco system and in decline so keeping them is definitely a social good. I would read up on this kind of bees and not worry. If you play your cards right you might get some free honey.

Well they'll be dead in a few weeks after pollinating all your local bushes for food.

Bees are literally the only thing between us and extinction.

My god, my Dw is really phobic about wasps and bees! She would hate this!!

They can if they want to. There harmless. YABU and daft.

YABU bees are important

We live in a new build and there were stipulations on what we could and couldn't do and I know one said we couldn't keep poultry not sure about bees though. There may be something similar on your property. Do you own or rent?
Although they sound harmless I don't think a tiny garden is the best place to keep bees so understand where you are coming from.

www.parentmap.com/article/keeping-mason-bees-10-expert-tips-for-families
According to this they're completely non stinging and safe.

Actually, according to that, they do have stings and can use them, although it feels more like a mosquito bite than a bee sting.

OP, YANBU. I wouldn't be keen on a lot of insects swarming around me, and I can only imagine what my kids would be like - they'd be indoors all the time.

Thank you essexgirl, I understand about the environment etc but they are all over a little house I bought for my 2 yo dd & she is scared of them

I would hate this too. My daughter is allergic to bee stings and as a result we're both very phobic.

I think keeping bees in an average new build garden is very anti social.

Do they have much experience of bees? I don't know anything about this type of bee, but most first time bee keepers end up with first few swarms naffing off anyway.

In fact a lot if people are allergic and can go into anaphylaxis. I think it's really shitty of them.

YANBU to be worried but now you know they are no threat to you I think you are being silly and precious.

dakotabees.com/site/mobile?url=http%3A%2F%2Fdakotabees.com%2FMason_Bees.html#2717

No anaphylaxis from mason bees risk

YANBU. It really isn't on that you can't sit in your garden without next doors pests swarming round. I'd hate this. You could try ringing the council and see what they have to say about this. It's really wrong your toddler can't play outside.

I think bees are great, but I wouldn't want them flying around me all the time.

I wouldn't like it too, I'm a grown man but the only time you'll see me running is if there's a bee or a wasp chasing me.

Fortunately Mason Bees are harmless but I still wouldn't be impressed.