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Wild Native Solitary Cavity-Nesting Bees

Of the 20,000+ bee species worldwide, <10% are social, like honey bees and bumble bees. The other 90% are solitary bees. Unlike social bees that live in colonies, solitary bees live independently. Each female builds her nest, collects pollen and nectar, and lays eggs on her own. This makes each solitary female a queen! Globally, 70% of native solitary bees nest in the ground, while 30% nest in cavities like tunnels, hollow plant stems, or bee houses. Cavity-nesting bees use pre-made holes and won't damage structures.

Cavity-nesting bees, including managed and native species, are easy to support in backyard bee houses. They boost pollination rates without the need for hive defense or honey storage, making them safe around kids and pets. Even among more aggressive bee species like honey bees, males cannot sting. They might defend nests but pose no stinging threat. Solitary bees like mason and leafcutter bees pollinate up to 95% of flowers they visit, far more than honey bees.

Wild Solitary Cavity-Nesting Bees

Summer Leaf Bees

Most North American Summer Leaf bees are similar in size to honey bees, with males smaller than females, featuring a rounded abdomen and longer antennae. Summer Leaf bees are dark with light abdominal bands; females have black eyes, males green. They use scissor-like jaws to gather leaves, petals, and resin for nests. Female Summer Leaf bees possess pollen-collecting hairs (scopa) on their abdomen, appearing yellow or gold when carrying pollen; males lack this feature.

Despite having a stinger, females rarely sting, even when handled; males do not sting. The alfalfa Summer Leaf bee is the second oldest managed bee species in the US, adapted to complex flowers like legumes. They carry dry pollen on their abdomens for efficient pollination between nests and plants. Solitary and cavity-nesting, Summer Leaf bees emerge mature from cocoons. Support them with pollen-rich plants, open blooms within 300 feet of their nests, and a chemical-free environment.

Mason Bee Resources

Mason bees are ideal pollinators for backyard gardens due to their gentle nature, ease of care, and fun behavior. Most North American Mason bee species are metallic blue, black, or green, with sizes ranging from 7-15 millimeters, with males being smaller than females. They have large scissor-like jaws for gathering mud, pulp, and leaves to build nests. Female Mason bees have rows of pollen-collecting hairs, called the scopa, on their abdomen, essential for transporting pollen. Despite having a stinger, females are non-aggressive and rarely sting, making protective gear unnecessary.

Spring Mason bees overwinter as adults and emerge when daytime temperatures reach 55°F/13°C and spring blooms are open. Females build nesting chambers using mud, creating separate rooms for each offspring and sealing them with a thick mud endcap. Reliable, high-clay-content mud within 10-20 feet is essential for nesting. Ensure the mud is uncontaminated by pesticides, road runoff, or harmful chemicals.

Spring Mason Bees

Which bees are in your backyard?

Beware of Cheap Bee Houses

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Bee-Friendly Yards & Gardens

Installing a bee house is a fantastic way to help pollinators. However, if your lawn and garden aren't pollinator-friendly, bees will quickly find better habitats. Pesticides may deter bees from nesting in your bee house or foraging in your yard. Bees are sensitive to chemical scents from lawn and garden treatments, often seeking more suitable nesting areas. Asking neighbors to avoid spraying while your bee nest is challenging but essential.

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Sign up for BeeMail, our bi-monthly e-newsletter designed as an educational journey! Each issue is filled with timely tips, reminders, and insights to enhance your solitary bee-raising experience. Dive into fascinating facts about solitary bees, exclusive educational opportunities, and behind-the-scenes looks at our programs and partnerships.

Explore topics like:
🐝 When and how to release bee cocoons
🐝 Tips for harvesting bee cocoons
🐝 Choosing pollinator-friendly plants for your garden
🐝 Gentle reminders to check on overwintering cocoons
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