Bees in wood deck - Ask Extension
These are flying in and out of a small 1/4” hole in a wood riser of deck connecting to house. They are gathering dirt from seedlings — perhaps a c...
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Bees in wood deck #829903
Asked May 14, 2023, 1:56 AM EDT
These are flying in and out of a small 1/4” hole in a wood riser of deck connecting to house. They are gathering dirt from seedlings — perhaps a carpenter bee? If so, I would prefer not to disturb a beneficial critter, however don’t think these are good to have next to wood decking and house. What are they? And is there a good way to remove them without harm?
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi,
Here is information about carpenter bees from University of California Extension. The bees in your photo are not carpenter but rather are honey bees. They are most likely drinking water from your seedlings. Honey bees seem to like potting soil which is saturated with water.
The only reason honey bees would be flying in and out of a hole would be if there was a nest on the other side somewhere. I think this will bear further investigation on your part. It's time to get out your detective hat.
Is there a larger space where a honey bee could nest. They typically look for a large cavity for nesting, like a hollow tree, or in between the wall of a manmade structure.
Stick a net one the hole so you can capture an emerging bee or two, so you can get a positive i.d.
Once you have sample bees in a jar in alcohol, you can take them to the Benton County Extension office for the Master Gardeners to identify. Positive identification is best from a physical specimen.
Hopefully, your bee mystery is soon solved.
Here is information about carpenter bees from University of California Extension. The bees in your photo are not carpenter but rather are honey bees. They are most likely drinking water from your seedlings. Honey bees seem to like potting soil which is saturated with water.
The only reason honey bees would be flying in and out of a hole would be if there was a nest on the other side somewhere. I think this will bear further investigation on your part. It's time to get out your detective hat.
Is there a larger space where a honey bee could nest. They typically look for a large cavity for nesting, like a hollow tree, or in between the wall of a manmade structure.
Stick a net one the hole so you can capture an emerging bee or two, so you can get a positive i.d.
Once you have sample bees in a jar in alcohol, you can take them to the Benton County Extension office for the Master Gardeners to identify. Positive identification is best from a physical specimen.
Hopefully, your bee mystery is soon solved.
