I think you could even put 'em out now, as I'm already seeing all sorts of bee activity this week.

That being said, I've personally never had much success with bee houses, as most of my mason and leaf-cutter bees seem to prefer the dead cut canes in roses/raspberries -- but! your mileage may vary. I've read somewhere that 70 percent of Colorado bees are ground nesters, so it's also important to make sure there's some bare ground for those species, as well.

Here in south Fort Collins, I've noticed a bunch of the latter (I believe they are some species of mining bee) that take up an area of fine dirt that's swept up next to the west side of the house, which is partially shaded by the neighbor's house some 11 feet away. I leave them alone, and it's been neat to see them zoom in and out of their little homes.

Here's a cool photo ID website, for those who'd like to get an overview of the wide variety that's out there:

Guide to Colorado Bees

And at the entomological super geek level:

https://www.colorado.edu/cumuseum/sites/default/files/attached-files/the_bees_of_colorado.pdf

Best buzzing wishes,

L

There's a thread over here https://permies.com/t/22619/Insect-hotels that has some cool pictures of different homemade bug motels. I bought one of those little mason bee/ bug motels they sell but now I'm motivated to make something myself. Probably can't get away with too much here in Westminster with the neighbors and hoa but Aurora nobody will much notice or care.

Hi gjcore,

I plan to make a design so that I can remove a block of wood with holes to take indoors and clean out in the fall.

I plan to drill deep (5"+?) that are 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8 in diameter.

I found the idea online to line the holes by rolling up parchment paper that is easy to remove at the end of the season. Apparently, the parchement paper breathes enough but holds up well.

With the cost of lumber right now, I will use scrap wood. I am in the middle of rebuilding our kitchen cabinets so I have a big pile of cherry and maple cutoffs I will glue up.

I read somewhere that the bees don't like cedar.

In case you're still wanting pointers, go over to InventHQ during their open hours and ask for Tracy — she's a very knowledgeable and passionate beekeeper who I'm sure would be happy to help!

i give them stumps and such and they do the thing.