I bought this
at Lee Valley on July 30th. It's a great idea to house solitary bees. Bees are at-risk from predators and parasites, cuckoo bees, as well as chemicals, e.g., insecticides like Neonicotinoids.
This is a nest for
mason bees or leaf-cutter bees, gentle, solitary, non-aggressive bees who stick close to home. They estimate about 3500 species in North America and account for 80% of flora fertilization.
For images:
About Pollen Bees
- Pollen bees only live 6 - 8 weeks
They spend their lives collecting pollen and nectar for their eggs in the chosen nest
- They lay eggs until the nest is full
- They lay 6 - 8 eggs
- fertilized female eggs in the rear, 2 - 3 unfertilized males eggs in the front
- The eggs hatch in several week, after which the larvae consumes the pollen and nectar
- They metamorphose into an adult bee, emerging the following year
- the female in the rear wakes first, males mate with females and die
- The process takes about 12 months
 |
Bumble Bees are at risk from predators,
like goldenrod spiders! |
- Pollen bees can create nests in burrows, or in plant stems, or holes in trees
 |
| honey bee |
 |
| They provide two nails, which doesn't fit into the 'holes!' |
 |
| A bit wobbly on a round stump! |
It's a great product, although it is simple to make them yourself. There are lots of means and ways (see below).
At first, I tried to attach it to a tree stump, but it didn't seem to be that well-placed. It jiggled on the rounded surface! On the wall works well. I happened to be in front of it when a mason wasp visited. Not what I wanted, but what can one do?! With the decrease in bee species world-wide, I'll take any comer!
They suggest putting the stickers on the outside once the hole is full. This is to prevent predators and moisture from entering.
 |
There is an info sheet, with a tracking system for
dating the egg placement! |
My beekeeper friend tells me this is a Mason Wasp. I guess they will find themselves a home here, too! It shows them going in and out, however!
Mason Bee House from
Jennifer Jilks on
Vimeo.
Lots of choices for do it yourself!:
