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Mason Bee NestThis will provide an ideal nesting site for the Red Mason and other solitary bees, all of which are extremely effective pollinators. These bees lay a series of eggs in tubes, each being sealed in separately. The eggs hatch the following spring and after a period feeding the process begins again.

Where to site the nester
Preferably site the nester against a south or south east facing wall in a sunny position. The site should be within easy reach of fruit or other flowering plants which can provide a source of pollen. Never site them on a north facing wall and try to avoid facing them into the prevailing wind.

They should be sited no more than 1.8 metres above the ground. Mason bees will also need access to an area of cultivated soil, which they use to seal the nests. The nesters will also provide a home for leaf-cutting bees which use the leaves of the rose family to seal their nests. While these leaves may be slightly disfigured by the leaf cutting activity, this is a small price to pay for having these useful pollinators in the garden.

When to site the nester
Mason bees normally become active as the weather warms up in the spring, typically in late May. The nester should therefore be in position by the middle of May. Once the bees start their nesting activity, do not disturb the nesting site.

By the end of summer, nesting will be complete. The nests will then remain dormant until the weather warms up in the following spring. The nests may be left in position or stored in cool conditions (about 4oC). The nests may be moved to a new position during the winter period.

Hatching from the nests
In the following spring the bees will hatch over a period of normally 3-4 weeks. Once the tubes are empty, pull out the old liner (with a pair of fine tweezers) and replace with a new liner. The bees will then spend some time feeding and mating before starting to nest again.

Notes
While these bees do have a sting, they are not aggressive towards people.

If these bees are found nesting in brickwork or masonry, they should prefer the nesters and can therefore be enticed away from where they may cause a nuisance. Any holes in the masonry should be 'pointed' in the late spring, after hibernating bees have emerged.

£13.95

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