Re: Mason Bees

I LOVE Mason (and other Native) bees!
They attract and do nothing bad; they just pollinate your crops like crazy.
I'm no expert, but I'd try and hang those houses lower--maybe 4 to 8 feet high. DON'T use pressure treasure treated or highly aromatic wood. And maybe try the 'lots of straws in a coffee can trick". I've heard that one works great.
---Mike McG
PS: You've inspired me! I'm going to suggest that one of my upcoming children's stories for the Rodale Institute (http://www.kidsregen.org/paperGarden/) be about Mason bees!

(Kerry: How about it?)

----- Original Message ----- From: "Diana Yuen" <eatfood@gmail.com>
To: <community_garden@mallorn.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 02, 2005 3:03 AM
Subject: [cg] Mason Bees


Hi all,

I don't know if this has been discussed in the past, but I'd like to
tap into your knowledge about attracting and maintaining mason bees in
community gardens.

Has anyone had any experience with this, and if so, any tips? What are
the negatives to introducing these bees? Is it likely for other
(perhaps malicious) insects to move into mason bee homes?

I'm just starting to research this idea. We'll likely make our own
blocks. We were planning on hanging them rather high up on some posts
we have, and I am concerned that the bees will not find the blocks
that high up (maybe 10-12 feet), though I haven't seen any
documentation that touches on this issue.

I have a ton more questions but we'll see how the conversation
manifests first :)

Thanks!

Diana
Seattle, WA


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______________________________________________________
The American Community Gardening Association listserve is only one of ACGA's services to community gardeners. To learn more about the ACGA and to find out how to join, please go to http://www.communitygarden.org


To post an e-mail to the list:  community_garden@mallorn.com

To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription:  https://secure.mallorn.com/mailman/listinfo/community_garden
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