How to Build a Bee Box

It is a great idea to have bee boxes in our backyards because the blue orchard mason bee will only lay eggs in pre-existing holes. She is not capable of making nesting holes herself and will potentially lay fewer eggs if she can't find adequate housing. Bee boxes are easy to make, and having mason bees around will help your garden grow. To make your own bee box, follow these simple steps:

	Find an old or new 4x4" block of wood that has not been treated. Using a 5/16" drill bit, drill deep holes into the side of the wood being careful not to drill through the end. Ensure that the holes are clean as these critters tend to be very finicky about their nesting areas.
	Find a piece of wood that is 7 inches long and 1 inch thick. Nail this piece to the top of the bee box to protect the holes from rain water.
	Hammer a hook into the back of the bee box. Using this hook, hang up the block in an area that is south- or east-facing (exposed to morning light). The box should be about 4 feet off the ground and is most efficient if it is placed near native plants and/or fruit tree blooms.

It might be a good idea to make more than one bee box. That way, you can take down the first bee box after one year and replace it with the second one so that it is fresh and clean for the new bees.

Another Method!

Check out Our Polinators Need a Home! - a small resources on attracting bees to your garden. It also includes an alternative method of building a bee box using straws.