Can I purchase mason bees?
There are 2 ways to get mason bees. You can either set up a bee house and wait for them to come, or you can buy mason bee cocoons. Mason bee cocoons are typically bought online. There are various websites that sell different types of mason bee cocoons.
Do we have mason bees in Washington state?
The orchard mason bee (Osmia lignaria) is a gentle beneficial insect that has potential as a pollinator of apples, cherries, and other tree fruits. It is found throughout Washington, particularly in wooded areas but often around homes in urban areas.
How many mason bees should I buy?
How many mason bees do I need? A single Mason Bee visits 20,000+ blossoms per day and pollinates 12 lbs. of cherries, a job for 60 honey bees. We recommend 10 Mason Bees per fruit tree.
How do I get mason bees?
During the early spring months, you can try attracting mason bees by providing nesting tunnels, plenty of bee food, and a mud source. Mason bee houses can be bought or made from wood, thick paper straws, or hollow reeds. My father started his mason bees years ago by making a few wooden nest blocks in one afternoon.
When should I buy a mason bee cocoon?
The best time of year to harvest and clean bee cocoons is between October and December. The bees will be fully formed by then. The best time to release them is in March or April.
What size holes do mason bees need?
¼ to 3/8 inch
The nesting holes for mason bees should be ¼ to 3/8 inch in diameter and at least 3 inches, preferably 6 inches, deep. The hole should be open only on the entry end. Mason bees prefer wood (not pressure- treated or cedar) in which to nest but will use other materials.
What is the difference between mason bees and honey bees?
HIVES – Honey bees work in a hive that produces honey and the queen lays eggs. Mason bees lay eggs in pre-existing tunnels or holes and don’t produce any honey. 3) WHO’S THE QUEEN – Honey bees have one queen that lays all the eggs. Mason bees are solitary bees, all females lay eggs and they work alone.
What do you do with a mason bee house in the winter?
Mason bees over winter as pupae….Follow these eight simple steps to give your mason bees the best chance at a thriving population.
- Step 1: Remove the tubes.
- Step 2: Remove the cocoons.
- Step 3: Sorting.
- Step 4: Bath.
- Step 5: Selecting.
- Step 6: Refrigerate your cocoons.
- Step 7: Wait.
- Step 8: Release your bees.
How long does it take for mason bees to emerge?
Depending on the weather, it can take up to three weeks for bees to emerge, but they are a lot of fun to watch once they do! However, before you release your mason bee cocoons, you’ll want to make sure your yard and garden are ready for these super spring pollinators!
How deep should mason bee tubes be?
Ideally, the hole should be around 8mm (around the width of a pencil) and 3-4 inches deep. The female bee will collect pollen and place it in the hole, then lay her egg, then seal up the development chamber with mud — hence the name mason bee.
Why are mason bees blue?
I also found out that blue mason bees were named because each egg chamber with a tiny “brick” of mud that is used as a divider from the other egg chambers. Hence, “mason” bee.