When I started writing this article, my aim was to show you how to build a mason bee house. After the epidemic of colony collapse disorder in honey bees, we find that some of the 300 species of mason bees are stepping up and filling the void in pollination.
However what I found was somewhat shocking. Mason bees are also in trouble and the one major killer of mason bees is man-made mason bee houses. We all want to help “fix” problems that we see but sometimes our fix is really just adding to the problem.
The bees need to live in a clean environment, free from mold, fungus and parasites. Certain materials encourage the presence of those problems. Bamboo absorbs moisture and doesn’t dry readily making it a perfect environment for mold, fungus and pollen mites.
Inserting paper straws and replacing them periodically after larva has grown helps to keep the living spaces clean. They should also be disinfected without leaving toxic residue that will kill the bees.
What NOT to use
Grouping that many bees together makes the house a perfect target for predators. Mason bees are normally solitary so this is an unnatural situation for them. Insect-eating birds will love this buffet. Using a small wire mesh such as “hardware cloth” may keep the birds away if it is placed properly. Location and how the houses are mounted are also critical.
Ultimately, the bees are simply better off finding their own homes. Other things you can do to help is stop using weed killer and insecticide, let you grass grow and don’t rake your leaves until warm weather has set in during springtime.