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Solitary bee House-Mason bee house
BUILT TO ATTRACT THE RIGHT BEES
approximately-11 " x 9-1/4 " x 8-1/4 " --12" roof with adequate overhang--
Solitary bees are harmless and generally not aggressive. They do not have painful stings like honeybees.If threatened and they sting you than most likely you won't even feel it.. They don't live in hives, produce honey or swarm.
There are a number of the species that are seen in gardens, such as the Red Mason and Leafcutter Bees,(they nest in tubes or tunnels). They are great pollinators for fruit trees and vegetables. Gardeners can easily encourage these solitary bees by creating artificial nest sites for them. A bee house with drilled holes in blocks of wood make an excellent home for these bees.Cedar is an excellent choice . The houses need to be built a specific way or they can do more harm than good.Many bee houses sold are actually death traps for these solitary bees.
These bee houses need to be made a certain way.For example most inexpensive bee houses sold won't even attract the right kinds of bees. they are usually only 3 inches deep and that is way too short.
common problems are -----
Small overhang which provides inadequate protection from wet weather
the holes are too large or small
tubes (or drilled holes)have no solid back wall and are not the right length.
made from glass or plastic tubes which cause condensation and become overtaken with fungus etc.
placement---
The bee house should be placed in full sun, facing south east or south, at least three feet off the ground, with no vegetation in front of it . . .Solitary bees will use the sun to warm up since they are cold blooded. A bee house must be firmly anchored.
The blocks with the holes must be removable so they can be cleaned or they will become disease ridden.