Use Scrap Wood to Make a Native Bee House
by
Rhonda B
(IC: blogger)
Honeybees get all of the attention, but the truth is we should be thinking more about our native pollinators-especially our native bees.
To do this we need to do a few things. First, stop using chemicals in our yards and gardens. Second, landscape with plants that attract and feed them. Third, provide areas for shelter and nesting. All of these things are pretty easy to achieve-even providing areas for shelter or nesting. One way you can do this is by taking a log and drilling random holes in it and placing it somewhere in your landscape:
Another way is by building them a home. With a few scraps of untreated wood you can build a house for the native bees to nest in. This is quick and easy and doesn't really require much skill (otherwise I would have never been able to do it).
2. A couple nails and a couple screws.
Next you need to begin drilling holes in the wood. These should be at least 3 1/2 inches deep (5 1/2 would be better if your wood is thicker)-just be sure not to drill all the way through the wood. I used 5/16 in (you can use a smaller one-not larger) drill bit for my holes. You can make a random pattern of holes or you can use a template. I used a pegboard as my template (copied it on to paper with pencil).
After you have drilled the holes you need to measure and cut the wood for the roof. Have it overhang a little to give some protection from the rain.
Attach the roof to the block using nails or screws.
After you have the roof attached you need to securely attach the hanger. I used a soda can tab (works great) and screws.
Now it should be ready to take outside and hang. A South or Southeast facing position is best.
I put it out now because the native bees will be out and nesting before you know it and I want to be prepared for them. So try to get this or any other bee house out before March.
Enjoyed the project?
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Published February 18th, 2015 12:12 AM
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2 of 8 comments
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Genna Scartaccini on Feb 19, 2015this is great. In my area I collect century plant stalks or yucca stalks after they bloom and just place them around the yard - some times I drill a hole or two but we have black wood borer bees that do the drilling and pretty soon other native bees come to check it out.
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The Garden Frog with C Renee on Feb 27, 2015What a great project for the garden!
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