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How to Make Mason Bee Shelters

The female mason bee's entire focus is to seek out an adequate environment so the next generation of mason bees will survive. During the four to six weeks of her life, she visits trees, flowers and vegetables in an area no more than 100 yards from her nest, which she builds in long, narrow holes. She gathers pollen and nectar she needs for her eggs, pollinating the flowers in the process. Mason bee shelters mimic her preferred nest sites, making sure the mason bee spends her time visiting crops in a specific area requiring pollination.

Things You'll Need

Untreated lumber
Ruler
Pencil
Drill
5/16-inch drill bit
Scrap piece of plywood slightly larger than lumber
Paint
Paint brush

Instructions

- 1
  Draw vertical and horizontal lines on one face of the lumber. The lines should be at least 3/4 inch apart and at least 3/4 inch from the edge of the piece of lumber.
- 2
  Drill a hole at the intersection of each line on the block. The hole should end at least 1/2 inch from the back of the block.
- 3
  Attach the plywood roof to the block, with the edges of the roof extending from the sides and front of the lumber to protect the block from the elements.
- 4
  Paint the bee shelter with one or two coats of latex paint. This will protect the wood from the elements, helping it to last longer.
- 5
  Hang the completed nesting block so the holes face east or southeast. The box should be securely attached to a fence post, side of a building or other vertical surface so it will not swing or move in the wind. The bottom of the block should be placed at a comfortable height at least three feet above the ground.

Insects & Science