Need bees for your Native Bee House?
Hello everyone, and happy 2012! Last fall I removed the Orchard Mason Bee cocoons from their paper straws liners so they could be cleaned and sorted, and now they’re ready to head to their new homes.
I recommend a starter colony of (20) bees for a house that has 30 – 40 nesting holes, since not all bees will survive to emerge. I try to approximate the ratio that is found in nature, which is about 40% female and 60% male.
I’ll be selling packages of (20) loose native bee cocoons for $25, which includes shipping and handling. If you’re interested in purchasing a package or two, please visit our online store.
NOTE: This offer is only valid until my supply of cocoons runs out, and we will not ship bees after April 1st, or after the daytime temps are consistently in the 50′s.
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Do you have Orchard Mason Bee cocoon for sale? There is nothing to drag and drop. Thanks
Sorry, but we just sold out! Check back next fall when we’ll be selling bee cocoons for Spring, 2013.
I have not seen any bees around my yard. If I purchase the bee homes. Will they come? My daughter lives an hour north of NYC. Do native bees survive the winter up there?
Hi Donna,
If you have plants and trees that bloom in early spring the chances are very good that some mason bees will nest in your bee house. If not you can always purchase some from me this coming Fall, and you’ll always have them after that. Re: your daughter’s location, these bees will thrive in her area, and in most states east of the Rocky Mountains, so no worries there. Thanks for writing!
Hi Denise,
The leafcutter bees sound great – taking over where the mason bees left off. Do you have any leafcutter bee cocoons for sale for this Spring/summer? If you don’t have any, do you know where I could purchase some, or is it possible the house will attract existing bees that are already living in “my back yard.” Also the house should be located in partial or full shade? Thanks.
Marie
Hi Marie,
I don’t have any Leafcutter Bee cocoons, and don’t know of anyone who sells them. However, if you provide some nesting holes of various sizes, you will probably attract a variety of mason bee species this summer, assuming you have some good plants for them to feed on. The house should face east or southeast to get morning sun, but ideally be shaded during the hot afternoon hours. The one thing you want to avoid with the summer bees is placing the house where it will get full sun all day.
Hope this helps, and thanks for your interest!
Best regards,
Denise