Bee House Suggestion

May 17, 2013 9:58 PM

I am thinking of purchasing a bee house for orchard mason bees. What recommendations do you have? What do I need to know?
posted by Bunny Ultramod to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

From the looks of things it's just a block of wood with some holes drilled in it. Or are you looking for a nest that has already has next year's crop of bees in it?
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 2:13 AM on May 18, 2013 [1 favorite]

As a home bee keeper, it is a relatively straightforward process. You can build your own hive with instructions online. This is difficult to ensure all measurements are correct, pieces are cut properly, etc. Which is why they have pre-cut & assemble at home kits. Likewise, you can order a hive which is pre-assembled and ready for use. All you need is to make sure your slats are in line. Bees will build everything naturally. The quality of hive will depending on your fiances / your craftsmanship. Check out this link on keeping mason bees here.

Good luck!
posted by Wynkoop at 3:37 AM on May 18, 2013 [1 favorite]

One bit I've seen about keeping mason bees is there looks to be some seasonal activities associated with them (more here). We've got them hanging around the house and yard, and I think they might be holing up in some stonework on the front of the house. They're adorable little things. Good luck!
posted by jquinby at 6:17 AM on May 18, 2013 [1 favorite]

Best answer: ...also - there's a little bit on mason bees in /r/Beekeeping.
posted by jquinby at 6:19 AM on May 18, 2013 [1 favorite]