Mason Bees Coming to Life

[jesoby]

solitary (bee) was the word you were searching for.

[111hutch]

This is why one has to construct channeled, stacked tray type condos for cocoon extraction and cleaning each fall or winter.

To the uninformed orchard mason bee-keeper they most likely will copy this poor design of cheap and quickly made condo and will in so doing, help to spread the parasitic mite. I would suggest folks check out better designed condos and learn about proper husbandry and cleaning methods for the orchard mason .

[botchalism]

Cleaning out a wooden block isn't that big a deal, then dunk it in a mild bleach solution.

[111hutch]

Also, your choice of condo utilizing the drilled holes in a block of wood does little to promote the ongoing efficiency of bee production and pollination overall. The parasitic mite, Chaetodactylus sp., kills the developing larvae within its cell earlier on in the spring and summer which left unchecked can completely overwhelm a condo such as this, similar to a garden that isn't weeded on a regular basis.

[111hutch]

Yes, nice attempt at introducing this very necessary pollinator to those getting interested in improving the yield for their orchards and gardens. However, the bees that are on the exterior of your condo traps are in fact all males the first of the brood to emerge in spring. They do very little pollination and are short-lived. They are simply waiting for the females to emerge and then to pounce on them and mate. The males detect the females within by pheromone exudence.

[botchalism]

Gawd, typical males!

[unusualmusician]

Nice mason bee post! I just posted an a cappella video-song all about mason bees. Feel free to check it out on my channel.

Mason bees are fine little critters. Build them houses, and they will come...

[bmoisset]

Thanks for this video. I, too have bee houses but so far the only tenants are hornfaced bees that, like the honey bee, are not native either. They are good pollinators, though.

Frenchcuffs13: the much maligned hornets and mud wasps are very good creatures. They catch lots of insects and feed them to their babies. They deserve some credit, too.

[FrenchCuffs13]

I LOVE Bees. Very misunderstood and often incorrectly associated with menacing hornets and mud wasps. Any gardner cherishes their bees. Thanks for posting this!