Mason Bee Nest Kit (Standard)
Take the sting out of bee keeping with this biodegradable mason bee nest kit (bees not included).
Native Orchard Mason Bees are widespread throughout North America. They are superb early season pollinators of fruit trees, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries even better than honeybees. They are active in colder temperatures and their hairy bodies carry more of the pollen that fertilizes your blossoms. Each female Orchard Bee makes her own nest in a series of tubes, sealed with mud. These bees are useful, small and docile. They hardly ever sting unless severely provoked.
In nature, female mason bees lay their eggs in hollow plant stems, insect holes, dead trees, even under house shingles. Finding such places is hard work! By putting up a nest kit, you are providing an easy, ideal, "ready-made" home for the bees until they "hatch out" the following spring. They will repay your kindness by pollinating your early spring fruits and berries.
The tubes provide exactly the right size holes the Orchard Bees are seeking in early Spring, in which to lay their eggs. Place the nest kit in a sheltered, sunny spot facing East or South to catch the morning sun. Under the eaves of a shed or garage is an ideal location. We suggest using plastic hanger strapping to hang your bee nest. Be sure to avoid direct exposure to rain. The mud filled tubes can be ruined if they get soaked.
The housing unit is made from 100% recycled polypropylene and contains 52 tubes. It is 6 1/2" deep, with a 3" diameter. The 6" cardboard nesting tubes are made from Kraft paper, clear wrapped for moisture resistance. An informative leaflet about Orchard Mason Bees is included.
Replacement tubes may be purchased separately