Bee Information

Free Solitary Bee Keeping Guide

Bee Information: Hosting Solitary Bees in Your Garden

Welcome to the Nerd Fabrication Guide to Hosting Solitary Bees!
Solitary bees are vital pollinators that can help your garden thrive. This guide explains how to create a safe, productive environment for these helpful insects with simple steps that make a big impact.

Why Host Solitary Bees?

The Benefits of Solitary Bees

Solitary bees are efficient pollinators, boosting your garden’s productivity while requiring minimal maintenance. Unlike social bees, they don’t form colonies, making them calm and non-aggressive neighbors.

Key Benefits:

  • Efficient Pollinators: Pollinate up to 20x more efficiently than honeybees.
  • Safe for Gardens: Rarely sting, making them suitable for any yard.
  • Easy to Support: With a simple bee house and some care, they’ll thrive.

Setting Up a Bee-Friendly Garden

Learn how to make your garden inviting to solitary bees by providing essentials like nesting sites, water, and flowers.

1. Nesting Sites

  • Bee Houses: Install a bee house, like the Entogon, in a sunny, sheltered spot. Face it south or southeast, about 5-7 feet off the ground.
  • Mud Source: Mason bees need mud to partition nesting chambers. Keep a small area of moist soil nearby.
  • Place Away from Disturbances: Avoid busy areas to create a peaceful space for bees.

2. Water Sources

  • Shallow Water Dish: Use a dish with stones for bees to perch on and drink safely. Check and refill as needed.

3. Flowers for Foraging

  • Plant Native Flowers: Choose a mix of native plants with varying bloom times for a continuous food source.
  • Avoid Pesticides: Practice organic gardening to keep the area safe for bees.

Installing and Caring for Your Bee House

Choosing the Right Bee House

Select a house with small, tubular cavities and durable materials like untreated wood or bamboo, which mimic natural nesting environments.

Positioning the Bee House

  • Placement: Face it toward the morning sun to help bees warm up early.
  • Protection: Ensure it’s shielded from harsh elements like rain and strong winds.

Monthly Checks

Regularly check for bee activity (like mud-packed entrances), ensuring the house remains stable and parasite-free.

Seasonal Care Guide

Solitary bees require different care as seasons change. Follow this seasonal guide to keep your bees healthy and thriving.

Spring

  • Set Up the Bee House: Place the house in early spring to attract bees as they emerge.
  • Introduce Overwintered Cocoons: Place cocoons when temperatures reach around 50°F.

Summer

  • Observe Activity: Watch as bees lay eggs, gather pollen, and seal their tubes.
  • Maintain Water and Mud: Ensure these resources are readily available.

Fall

  • Harvest Cocoons (Optional): If desired, remove cocoons to clean and store them safely.
  • Clean the Bee House: Clear out old nesting materials to prevent pest buildup.

Winter

  • Store Cocoons: Keep harvested cocoons in a cool, ventilated space until spring.
  • Protect the Bee House: If left outdoors, place it in a sheltered area to prevent weather damage.

Harvesting and Cleaning Cocoons

Harvesting cocoons helps prevent parasite buildup and ensures a healthy bee population next season.

  1. Removing Cocoons: Gently open nesting tubes to access the cocoons.
  2. Cleaning: Soak briefly in a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to eliminate parasites. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
  3. Health Test: Place cocoons in water; viable ones sink while compromised ones float (discard these).
  4. Storage: Store in a dark, ventilated area until spring.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Low Bee Activity
If bees are inactive, ensure the bee house is positioned correctly and free from disturbances.

Parasite Problems
To minimize parasites, clean the house each fall and consider using a mesh bag over the tubes.

Unhatched Cocoons
If cocoons don’t hatch in spring, they may have been exposed to extreme temperatures. Store them carefully in winter.

Conclusion: Making a Difference for Pollinators

By providing a habitat for solitary bees, you’re enhancing your garden’s health and supporting local biodiversity. These simple steps create a safe, thriving environment for bees and make your garden a part of the solution for pollinator conservation.

Thank you for supporting solitary bees with Nerd Fabrication’s bee-friendly products!

Nerdfab Bee Calendar (Download 2025 Icalendar file)