How to Keep Mason Bees

Unlike honeybees, mason bees do not produce honey. Still, mason bees are expert pollinators and their presence in your garden can be a large benefit to your flowers. Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from one plant to another, an essential step in flower reproduction. Mason bees are solitary creatures, meaning that there are no worker bees for this species. Each female mason bee is responsible for creating her own nest. Since mason bees are not capable of stinging and are very inexpensive to attract and maintain, keeping them is an easy step toward improving your garden's flowers. All you need to do to keep mason bees is to ensure they have a home near your garden.

Things You'll Need

• 4-by-4-inch scrap wood
• Electric drill
• 5/16-inch drill bit
• Shingle

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Drill several holes along one side of the 4-by-4-inch scrap wood so that they are each 3/4 inch apart. Drill as deeply as possible without going through the other end of the block.

   • 2

     Attach the shingle to the top of the wood block. It will serve as a roof to protect the bees from rain and harsh sunlight. Place the shingle so that you create an overhang over the side where you drilled the holes.

   • 3

     Place the bee house facing east to catch the morning sunlight. Bees enjoy the morning sun.