I want to build a native bee house

12 years ago

Hello,

I have been toying with the idea of building a native bee house. I recently replanted my front yard with a lot of water wise flowers and flowering bushes. The front yard isnt too big maybe 40X20. I figure this would be a good location for the house. The problem is that the front yard is on the west side of the house. I have read that the native bees prefer a east facing spot so they get the morning sun. Would this be a huge deal?

Another option could possibly be under an overhang on the south side of the house. The bees would have to travel maybe 50-75 feet to the flowers if I did this.

I am trying to avoid the back yard because the wife is deathly afraid of bees. Yes I know that these arent the same as honey bees but it would still be a big problem with her.

Obviously anywhere I put the house they are going to go all around but I am just trying to find a the best spot.

Any input about the location would be helpful. Also any input about the building of the house itself would also be helpful.

Thanks,
B San Diego

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Comments (6)

jean001a
12 years ago
Many sources have info. Search using "mason bee houses" but no quotes - or something similar.

You might start here
http://www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/Gardening-Tips/Build-a-Bee-House.aspx

Here is a link that might be useful: NationalWildlife Federation
Charlie
12 years ago
Your wife should understand that mason bees do not sting unless mashed or trapped. The house should face south or south east and the overhang sounds like a functional location.
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ed1315
12 years ago
"I have been toying with the idea of building a native bee house. ....... the wife is deathly afraid of bees"

Sounds like a recipe for a divorce
Chris_MI
12 years ago
Have you gone to the Crown Bees web site. It has videos and lessons for beginner gardeners in north america to raise native bees. even National Garden Club is getting involved having volunteer presenters to help teach gardeners to raise pollinators because of the HOney Bee collapse. Crown bees sells several kinds of bees and supplies. There are directions all over the web on how to make your own houses and nesting tubes.
booshified
Original Author
12 years ago
There is no reasoning with her on this. This is why I wanted to do it in the front yard where there will be plenty of flowers and more importantly we do not hang out in the front.

Im still planning this and also letting the front grow in some more.

Ill look a little more and see if I can find the answers to my questions.
Jonathan29
12 years ago
so here is my take on it i have 4 houses and 5 females this year nesting they seem to be the most productive in the east facing side of the house because they get warmed up very quickly with the bright morning sun on their hives then get to work all day. I have already seen 4 holes filled with eggs and sealed. so i would recommend putting it on the east side. they will travel where they please so unfortunately your wife will have to get used to it.
Here is a link to a youtube video on my garden channel just a little info on mason bees and how my set up looked little while ago even though i have added to it still you will get an good indication of where to place a hive.

Here is a link that might be useful: TheItalian Garden Mason beekeeping