07 August 2009

Mason Bee Block Update

Well they've been up for several months now. Many bee's have laid and covered babies for next year. We'll definately have to add more of this size. So far the giant 3/8" (thumb sized) has no bee's in it. All the other sizes do, the most active being the 5/16" size.

All of the images are clickable for a closer look.









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5 comments:

  1. JaspenelleAugust 7, 2009 at 1:39 PM

    Very very cool! I want to attract mason bees to my garden next year. My winter project is to build some homes like these for them (nice to know what size has worked best for you!) Did you put these up in early Spring?

    Recently found your blog and love it by the way!

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  2. J and J OxriederAugust 8, 2009 at 3:16 PM

    We got these put up in early May. It didn't take long to put them together and we used old scrap wood from other projects.

    Here's the post about it:

    http://pathtosustainability.blogspot.com/2009/04/mason-bee-blocks.html

    Thank you! :o)

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  3. beccaWAAugust 9, 2009 at 11:17 AM

    Wow! I have read for years about all things homestead, and have never seen these bee blocks, nor heard of mason bees (is that what they are called?) I'm going to have to do some research! Looks easy enough to get going, too.

    I've always hesitated about the bee thing because of the hives & all the maintenance, etc.

    Can you tell me more about the bees?

    BTW, I found your blog because I regularly read Cold Antler and found your link there. I also live in Spokane area (in the valley). I'm a single mom & live on an acre in the valley which I have yet to do anything with homestead/wise. But that's the goal.

    Thanks!
    Rebecca

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  4. J and J OxriederAugust 10, 2009 at 6:36 AM

    Mason Bees are wild bees. They have no hive or home really. Accept the home you see in the pictures which is just a whole drilled in a block in varying sizes. We put these up to encourage them into our yard for free pollination! Mason Bees don't make honey or require any looking after. Just drill holes in blocks, hang and wait they will find them.

    Here's our post about building them.

    http://pathtosustainability.blogspot.com/2009/04/mason-bee-blocks.html

    We are going to get into honey bees but that won't be until next spring. Stay tuned...

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  5. Andrew's ReclaimedNovember 24, 2009 at 11:08 PM

    Nicely done!!!

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