Mason Bees: The Easy Native Pollinators

Mason bees are gentle, solitary native bees that are phenomenal pollinators. They're easier to keep than honey bees, require no protective gear, and can dramatically increase your garden's productivity.

Why Mason Bees?

• Super pollinators: One mason bee pollinates equal to 100+ honey bees
• Gentle: Rarely sting (they can, but almost never do)
• Low maintenance: No hive management, no honey extraction
• Native: Already adapted to your climate
• Early fliers: Active in cooler weather (50°F+)
• Small space: Perfect for urban gardens

Mason Bee Life Cycle

1. Spring emergence: Adults emerge from cocoons when temps reach 50-55°F
2. Mating: Males emerge first, mate with females
3. Nesting: Females find tube holes and begin provisioning
4. Egg laying: Each cell gets pollen/nectar ball + one egg
5. Development: Larvae eat, spin cocoons, become adults by fall
6. Dormancy: Adults rest inside cocoons through winter

Setting Up for Mason Bees

Bee House Location

• Face house east or southeast (morning sun)
• Mount firmly (no swinging)
• 3-7 feet off ground
• Protected from rain
• Near mud source (they need mud for walls)
• Near early spring flowers

Nesting Tubes

• Diameter: 5/16" for orchard mason bees
• Length: 6 inches ideal
• Materials: Paper tubes, natural reeds, wooden trays
• Avoid: Bamboo (can't clean, harbors mites)

Sourcing Mason Bees

Buy Cocoons

Purchase cocoons from reputable suppliers. Release when temperatures are consistently above 50°F and spring flowers are blooming.

Attract Wild Bees

Put up houses and let native mason bees find them. Takes longer but ensures locally-adapted genetics.

Seasonal Care

Spring

• Set out cocoons when temps reach 50°F
• Provide mud source if none nearby
• Watch for nesting activity

Summer

• Nesting complete by June
• Leave filled tubes undisturbed
• Larvae developing inside

Fall

• Adults have developed inside cocoons
• Harvest cocoons for cleaning (October)
• Store in refrigerator

Winter

• Cocoons dormant in refrigerator (34-39°F)
• Slight humidity needed
• Check occasionally for mold

Cleaning Cocoons

Annual cleaning prevents pests and disease:

1. Open tubes and remove cocoons in fall
2. Wash cocoons in cool water with small amount of bleach
3. Rinse thoroughly
4. Dry completely
5. Store in breathable container in refrigerator

Common Problems

• Pollen mites: Clean cocoons annually
• Chalkbrood fungus: Discard infected cocoons
• Parasitic wasps: Small holes in mud caps
• Birds: Woodpeckers may eat larvae

Mason Bees + Honey Bees

They complement each other perfectly! Mason bees work in early spring when it's too cold for honey bees, ensuring early fruit tree pollination. Keep both for season-long coverage.