Mason bees don’t sting plus this house is an easy way to encourage polinators into your garden.
If you’re not handy, you can buy bee houses online.
Using one 6 foot long, 1″ x 6″ cedar fence, I was able to construct a basic native bee house. The entire piece of wood cost about $4.12 and I used about 2/3 of it.
Sides (2) – 6″ x 6.5″ – the tubes are 6″ so I prefer to have them slightly recessed.
Top and Bottom – both 6″ x 7″
Back – 6″ x 9″ – drill a hole at the top to support the house.
Shelf – measure to fit – approximately 4 5/8′ x 6″
This is used to put cocoons on in the spring.
Other Tips.
- Select the cedar boards with care. Try and find boards without knots.
- I will waterproof the roof later.
- The boards are actually 5 7/8″ so take that into consideration in your cutting.
- I also plan to slightly tilt the house forward to help with drainage.
- You can either buy the tubes online or make your own.
- Please watch the video below to learn the basics.
- You can buy bees in cocoons from Crown Bees.
Below is another inexpensive option.
Beautify Crestwood 