I would love to ID this very large bee?wasp? that was caught in my building. It was at least 3 inches long--NO KIDDING! The hind end alone was at lease 2 inches all by itself. The bee/wasp had a reddish face--not hairy. The hind end was golden with black pin-stipes--very thin stripes. The hind end was shaped like an inverted tear-drop and very very pointy at the end. It was scary!!! I've only seen it once. I was able to free it. If you can ID this bee/wasp I'd be very grateful. I live in Northeastern PA if that helps. Thanks.

They're nuisance value only. They don't sting. Beyond that, how about moving the thyme they seem to like?

Wow! Great macro - and you must have a very steady hand! I do like to watch bees, so BUSY they are! Julie

Is the wood treated with any pesticides etc? Some wood, especially imported like wood pallets and other wood too, are treated either by heat (which is safer) or by insecticide to prevent exotic beetles from arriving with the wood.