Mason Bees: Essential Knowledge for Every Gardener
Mason bees, native to North America, are essential pollinators that can significantly contribute to your garden's bloom. These black-coloured insects, often mistaken for flies due to their two pairs of wings, are solitary and prefer to nest alone in small cavities.
Ideal mason bee nests should be between 1/4 and 3/8 of an inch (0.6 to 0.9 cm) wide and three to six inches (7.6 to 15 cm) deep. These bees will nest in hollow stems, holes made by woodpeckers, or even manmade structures of the right size. Pre-made bee nests can be purchased and set up around your garden, with the most common types made from bamboo, paper, cardboard, or drilled wooden blocks. The far end of the nest holes should be closed.
Mason bees are often found in orchards, pollinating a variety of fruits and flowers. Unlike honeybees, which are commercially used for pollination and live in groups with movable hives, mason bees are solitary and will never be commercially viable. One mason bee can pollinate about 2,000 flowers per day, making them invaluable allies in your garden.
To encourage mason bees to stay in your garden, plant a variety of native flowering species. Mary Ellen Ellis, a gardening expert with over 20 years of experience, specialises in flowers, native plants, and herbs. She emphasises the importance of providing a diverse range of plants for these pollinators to feed on and pollinate.
It's essential to note that young mason bees emerge from their nests in spring when the temperatures are consistently 50 degrees F (10 C). Female mason bees have stingers, but they only sting if cornered or harassed.
With their hard work and significant contribution to pollination, mason bees are an excellent addition to any garden. By providing them with the right environment and food sources, you can help these native pollinators thrive and enjoy the benefits they bring to your blooming garden.
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