MASON BEE HOUSES
This first year we have only one style of unfinished bee house for artists. But this page provides additional info that can well inspire you.
"Pork and Bees" House (Not Available.)
Click for full size image.
This unfinished bee house is available at NCA in limited quantities for your embellishment and interpretation.
The cardboard tubes reside in an empty 14.5 oz can of S&W Organic, Diced Tomatoes. You will have to supply that part, or the equivalent exact diameter. That size leads to a nice symetric arrangement of the tubes which can be individually colored as desired. The tubes may have some fuzz on them, but it can be cleaned up with 220 grit sandpaper, or maybe a sharp knife. A bundle of 4" tubes will be supplied. The can will be a little loose in the structure, but can be easily fixed to the wood on the inside with hot glue. Note the roof comes off as a unit. You can easily fasten it with glue to the house framework. The tubes can be left loose to be cleaned out after a bee season, or set in a bed of yellow glue at the bottom of the can. Since the tubes are cardboard they need to be kept dry. So if the bee house is to be outside and functional it should be placed in a sheltered location, out of the rain. That's it!
The cardboard tubes reside in an empty 14.5 oz can of S&W Organic, Diced Tomatoes. You will have to supply that part, or the equivalent exact diameter. That size leads to a nice symetric arrangement of the tubes which can be individually colored as desired. The tubes may have some fuzz on them, but it can be cleaned up with 220 grit sandpaper, or maybe a sharp knife. A bundle of 4" tubes will be supplied. The can will be a little loose in the structure, but can be easily fixed to the wood on the inside with hot glue. Note the roof comes off as a unit. You can easily fasten it with glue to the house framework. The tubes can be left loose to be cleaned out after a bee season, or set in a bed of yellow glue at the bottom of the can. Since the tubes are cardboard they need to be kept dry. So if the bee house is to be outside and functional it should be placed in a sheltered location, out of the rain. That's it!
About Mason Bees:
The orchard mason bee (Osmia lignaria) is a gentle beneficial insect that has potential as a pollinator of apples, cherries, and other tree fruits. It is found throughout most of North America, particularly in wooded areas but often around homes in towns and cities. It is particularly valued in Western Nevada County and has a growing group of "friends" who are adding to their housing stock. See HERE for more information.
The mason bee is known for being the solitary bee. This bee can build a solitary nest all by itself out of mud or plant fiber that has been chewed to paste. The mason bee is smaller than a honey bee, but they have stout bodies and are usually a metallic green or bluish in color. This is one of the main reasons why the mason bee is so sought after – the colors on this bee are simply amazing and while they are usually found only in the western region of the United States, they have migrated their way to other parts of the northern hemisphere.
There are roughly one hundred and forty species of mason bees found in North America and over two hundred species of mason bees found worldwide. The mason bee is also one bee that is pretty mellow in its attitude and really only stings when it feels it is being threatened. Otherwise, this is one of the mellowest bees in the world.
Narrow holes (5/16") making 3 - 5" long tubes and mud all make great places for these female mason bees to lay their eggs. A female mason bee might inspect the same place several times before she decides that she can nest there. It is all part of the cycle of finding the perfect nest to lay all of her eggs in.
The mason bee is known for being the solitary bee. This bee can build a solitary nest all by itself out of mud or plant fiber that has been chewed to paste. The mason bee is smaller than a honey bee, but they have stout bodies and are usually a metallic green or bluish in color. This is one of the main reasons why the mason bee is so sought after – the colors on this bee are simply amazing and while they are usually found only in the western region of the United States, they have migrated their way to other parts of the northern hemisphere.
There are roughly one hundred and forty species of mason bees found in North America and over two hundred species of mason bees found worldwide. The mason bee is also one bee that is pretty mellow in its attitude and really only stings when it feels it is being threatened. Otherwise, this is one of the mellowest bees in the world.
Narrow holes (5/16") making 3 - 5" long tubes and mud all make great places for these female mason bees to lay their eggs. A female mason bee might inspect the same place several times before she decides that she can nest there. It is all part of the cycle of finding the perfect nest to lay all of her eggs in.
Artistic and Practical Inspiration:
Just as with bird houses, your bee house art can be functional, or not! (Click on images below for larger view)
Also here are some more links for architectural and artistic inspiration:
Also here are some more links for architectural and artistic inspiration: