Researchers estimate that wild bee populations provide half of the crop pollination services worldwide. This proportion is likely to grow as honeybees are challenged by mites, disease, pesticide exposure and colony collapse. Different flowers need different bees to pollinate them, so increased species diversity means improved pollination rates. Mason and leafcutter bees pollinate 95% of the flowers they visit, compared to 5% for honey bees! If you’re getting lots of flowers but low fruit set, bee houses may be just what you need.
Fill these simple, easy-to-clean wooden houses with natural reeds (please note: reeds sold separately). Replace reeds each season. Solitary bees lay their eggs in any available tunnels, and populations are limited by the number of available sites. To help increase your local populations, mount the houses along edges of fields and orchards by early April, as most of these bees begin looking for nesting sites in April and May.
Mount your houses facing southeast, but out of direct summer sunlight—excess heat build up can kill the pupae. The “tail” on the bee house makes for easy mounting with a nail or screw. Before you mount them, though, consider giving yourself or your kids the opportunity to decorate them with paint; water-based latex paints are best, choose those with a VOC level under 50 for everyone’s safety.
Our bee houses are made from Maine white pine, constructed with a large overhang to keep your baby bees safe and dry.
8961 Bee House
Start ordering
or resume an order
Additional Information
Orchard Tools & Supplies
Click here for supplies for monitoring and/or trapping orchard pests.
Orchard Ladders Sturdy lightweight traditionally shaped wooden orchard ladders have wide bottoms for stability and narrow tops for easy handling and placement.
