Orchard Mason Bee Nesting Box

The Bees

• Mason bees don't make honey because they don't survive winter and don't require the food, unlike honeybees. They are slightly smaller than honeybees, and the males are smaller than the females but have larger antennae. Mason bees are fuzzy and a deep blue color. They nest in existing holes in wood; they don't excavate holes so don't cause structural damage. Providing nests keeps them out of holes in a house or other building and also brings these beneficial pollinators into the garden where everyone can benefit from their presence.

Building

• You can build your own mason bee nesting box by drilling 1/4- to 3/8-inch holes in an untreated pine or fir 2-by-4-inch or 4-by-4-inch piece of wood. A brad-point bit is best, according to Washington State University Extension. A 2010 "Mother Earth News" article recommends making holes as deep as thick as the wood.

Placement

• The nest should be placed somewhere protected from hot afternoon sun and rain. Under east-side house eaves is a suitable location, especially if moist soil is nearby where the bees can gather mud. A nest also can be placed in more remote locations, such as on a dead tree near a stream with mud for the the bees to use to plug the nest holes and close to wildflowers for the bees to eat.

Care

• The nest boxes require minimal care but should be sterilized every few years to prevent parasite development. When you're ready to sterilize a nesting box, place it in a large, dark box and drill a 1/2-inch hole in its lid. The hole lets in light to attract bees to the exit, but no bees will return to the nest. After all the bees depart, soak the nesting box in a 5 percent bleach solution, and consider re-drilling the holes.