You don't need to clean out the cells, but here's a good article on the benefits to the bees of some annual "housekeeping": www.nwtrek.org/mason-bee-spring-cleaning/
Wow, this is a great video. Thank you. The question is, can I get this set up and do the cocoons, and everything now (mid-summer) so they can work thru the summer and fall, and then be ready to emerge in the spring, or when should I do it? If I do it in winter or very early spring, for example, will they be develeoped nenough to pollenate my apple and pear espalier trees that spring? Thanks in advance! Roy and Cheryl
Good question! Here's a link with a lot more detail that we could include in the video. It will tell you how to "winter over" your bees for the next season and not need to buy more cocoons: beebuilt.com/blogs/backyard-beekeeping-blog/everything-you-need-to-know-before-keeping-mason-bees
Maybe the yellow faced bumble bee. We have lots of them on the Central Coast of California. In this video, Orin talks about flowers and pollinators: th-cam.com/video/tL9KzFUZdTo/w-d-xo.html
Thank you kindly for filming each day. Your methods are tried and true.
Love Orin Martin and love mason bees! What a great video
Great job, your videos are great thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.
Thank you!
So cool!
Mason bees are the coolest little critters.
Do the bees clean out the cells from year to year for reuse or must new hive/cells be provided every year?
You don't need to clean out the cells, but here's a good article on the benefits to the bees of some annual "housekeeping": www.nwtrek.org/mason-bee-spring-cleaning/
Wow, this is a great video. Thank you. The question is, can I get this set up and do the cocoons, and everything now (mid-summer) so they can work thru the summer and fall, and then be ready to emerge in the spring, or when should I do it? If I do it in winter or very early spring, for example, will they be develeoped nenough to pollenate my apple and pear espalier trees that spring? Thanks in advance! Roy and Cheryl
Do they establish in the garden or buy year after year?
Good question! Here's a link with a lot more detail that we could include in the video. It will tell you how to "winter over" your bees for the next season and not need to buy more cocoons: beebuilt.com/blogs/backyard-beekeeping-blog/everything-you-need-to-know-before-keeping-mason-bees
We have ground nesting bumble bees here in Coastal British Columbia...
Maybe the yellow faced bumble bee. We have lots of them on the Central Coast of California. In this video, Orin talks about flowers and pollinators: th-cam.com/video/tL9KzFUZdTo/w-d-xo.html
where did you get the houses from?
Got them years ago. Can't remember where, but Amazon carries a few dozen different houses.
What if a hungry bird drops by and helps itself to the eggs? Should there bee a bird screen perhaps…
Good question. We haven't had trouble with birds, but it would probably be a good idea.
We use screens here in Arkansas, the woodpeckers are numerous.