As many of us know, many pollinators are under threat from habitat loss, pesticide, and disease. Sometimes it can seem a daunting task to find ways to help these vital insects, but one way to help may be to provide homes for our solitary bees known as Mason Bees. Many people are buying or making ‘Bee Hotels’. One great thing about this is that you can do this without even having a garden. A wall or a fence on which to mount the hotel will work also.
But are bee hotels a fad? Do they actually work? Since they are expensive, it seems worthwhile doing a little research before you embark on this venture. I was fortunate to find a pack of two in my local thrift shop (aren’t thrift stores amazing?!!), so, for $5 I thought I would give it a try. Well, once in place it was like New York Central, with bees pretty much lining up to lay their eggs. Both are now full, no room at these Bee n Bees!! 
This particular type is available for $39.95 for two, which may seem expensive but they are reusable after cleaning. (https://www.pollenbeenest.com/)
We also bought another type, insect hotels, and placed one on the same wall. 
Apart from a small number of bees, most of the holes were not used. Researching further, I have discovered that most mason bees prefer the smaller holes; those large holes are just too much work for these Queens. That’s a lot of space to fill with mud when you don’t have worker bees to help out! Ever hopeful, we tried making some of the holes smaller by adding straws in some holes, but there was minimal interest. It appears the bees voted with their wings and took their eggs elsewhere.
Then Susan (our President) sent a photo of her bee hotel; now that is truly impressive. I have Bees Nest Envy!
What about you? Have you tried to attract mason bees? What did you use, what worked, what didn’t? Have you tried to make one? Are you a Mason Bee Expert? What’s the best thing we can do to help these vital pollinators? Send us a short (250 words) summary and of course some pics if you have them, or just some pics! We’d love to hear from you. Contact us at editor@QCHCA.org
