How to Make Mason Bee Tube Liners
Mason bees are major North American pollinators, particularly for fruit trees, flowers and vegetables. Non-aggressive and solitary, these bees nest in preexisting holes. Females lay multiple eggs in each nest. This species often lives around homes in cities and towns, and mason bee populations benefit from nest site provision. Parasitic mites can enter nest holes and must be removed to ensure healthy bees. The US Department of Agriculture suggests paper straws as nest liners. Making simple paper liners and replacing them annually is an effective way to prevent mite infestation. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Parchment paper
- Scissors
- Metal or wooden rod
- Mason bee house
- Wooden or commercial backing
- Nails or screws (optional)
Instructions
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1
Cut the paper into rectangles. Determine the appropriate rectangle length by measuring one nest hole and adding three-fourths of an inch to the depth. Typical nests are approximately six inches deep. Make the rectangle width four inches long to ensure overlapping layers.
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2
Coil one paper rectangle around the rod, ensuring that the rod diameter is smaller than the nest hole diameter. Hold the coiled paper firmly.
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3
Insert the rod with the paper into the nest hole, twisting in a circle, until the paper is flush with the front of the hole. Release the paper to uncoil and remove the rod. Repeat with each remaining nest hole.
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4
Lay the bee house face down. Fold each paper tube down to seal. Position the backing on the bee house and snap, nail or screw into place.
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5
Remove paper liners after the bees mature. Replace with new liners.
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Tips & Warnings
Light cardboard or craft paper also work. Thinner paper absorbs moisture, which can cause fungal growth. According to Gardenweb Bee-Keeping Forum members, bees prefer brown nesting materials. Adjust paper rectangle size if liners form more than four layers and block nest holes.
Mason bees are susceptible to cold temperatures and may require shelter over winter. According to the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, paper liners should be removed and cocoons placed in a container. Keep cocoons cool and dry, or refrigerate them until spring.
References
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Comments
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solitarybee
May 20, 2010
Good article, thanks for posting this. I also make paper straws from brown paper wrapped around a pencil. A tiny bit of sticky tape to hold it and some clayish mud to seal the back end works wonders for my bees.
