Mason Bee tubes |
Description:
50 tubes. These open end tubes are made of kraft paper. Dimentions are 6 inches (15 cm) x 5/16 inch (6.5mm) inside diameter with a 30 thousands wall, so they are nice and sturdy. We find that 6 inch tubes are the best depth for mason bees. Each female is a laying queen and will deposit between 6-8 eggs/offspring per tube with female offspring laid first with males laid later, so when spring arrives the males emerge first to wait for the females to make their appearance.
Notes:
Sometimes we use watercolour paint to mark the entrance of the tubes...it acts as a 'house address' so the bees can quickly find their tubes. Very territorial and will fight each other if space is limiting. Use a good waterproof container to house the tubes that are deeper/longer than the tubes to provide weather protection as you don't want to get the tubes wet! Tubes can be secured into a single or multiple bundles. Store bee houses in a well ventilated cool place out of the weather such as a covered porch, unheated garage or something similar. Put them where birds, mice or rats can't get them as these will make a meal of your bees!
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