How to Make a Bumblebee House

Nail the pine scraps together to make a box with one open end. Nail the 5 1/2 inch side of each 5 1/2-by-15-by- 3/4-inch side pieces to the 5 1/2-inch sides of the 5 1/2-by-6 1/2-by-3/4-inch back end, using two nails on each side. Then, nail the 10-by-15-by-3/4-inch pieces to the edges of the back and side pieces to make a neat box, using two nails for the short sides and six nails for each long side. Alternately, you can use a coffee can for the box and skip this step.

Cut a rectangle of corrugated cardboard to fit around the interior of the coffee can or box. Roll the cardboard into a cylinder and place it inside the coffee can or box to line the inside.

Drill about 20 1/8-inch holes in one side of the coffee can or box, as well as the closed short end. The nest will be mounted horizontally with the drilled side down.

Fill the can or box half full with upholsterer's cotton to provide bedding for the bees. Do not use cotton wool or surgical cotton, as bees can get entangled in the fibers.

Cut a circle of window screen large enough to fit over the nest's opening, using wire cutters. Cut a 3/4-inch diameter circle out of the window screen circle.

Attach the window screen to the coffee can opening with electrical tape or to the box opening with staples.

Position the coffee can or box with the bottom 4 to 10 inches above ground, against a tree or other shaded, sturdy wooden structure out of direct sunlight. Orient the nest so the drilled side faces down and the screened opening faces out. Drill a screw hole diagonally from the top side of the can through the bottom side, and screw the can in place on the wooden structure.