Unidentifed bees swarming our garden

[PeteIDM]

Hello!

We've recently had a swarm of bees covering our lawn. There must be thousands of these little things and they are becoming a bit of a nuisance. Could you please try to identify this species from the photo's provided. Also, if they sting, what they do ( make honey etc ) and how we can humanely move this swarm.

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Pete,

It's the very common Ashy Mining-bee, Andrena cineraria.

They are harmless, not associated with honey and will be gone of their own accord soon enough (you won't find nearly the same level of activity on any but the warmest days). They do a good job of aerating lawns.

Take care,

Jason

[eucera]

These are certainly Andrena cineraria. They are active for just a few weeks each year, and are one of a small number of bees that seem to be increasing in numbers and range. You really can not get stung by these at all (I have tried to provoke them).

They are immensely useful pollinating many wild and garden flowesr, and are important pollinators of fruit trees.

Please enjoy them!

[PeteIDM]

Thanks for your quick replies!

Good to here they're not aggressive. I've been sitting on my lawn surrounded by their swarm. They seem quite friendly.

Where do they go after there activity stops?