Greetings!
How does one use 3" PVC pipe and the folded 12" straws for Mason bees. I get how they're folded and the folds are butted up against each other, but there's reference to an overhang to protect the straws. Does this mean I need to cut the pipe longer than 12". Just curious the best way to construct/cut them. Also, how do you hang them from your trees. A simple wire? Don't want the wire to girdle the branch and don't want the nest to fall/blow off the tree. Lastly, how many of these houses should I start with for pollinating 1 acre. I'm hoping I can attract existing bees. If not, I'll get some next season. I have ordered a book on the Mason bee, but in the mean time would like to get the housing set up
Thanks for the info,
Glenda
I thought the overhang was for rain, so the bees feel safe coming into their house. I had some small birds eating the bees, so I put bird netting over the surrounding area. It seemed to work. I wanted more, so I just drilled 4 inch holes into a block of wood and nailed it to the fence. Back side protected. NOt all the way through the wood. I hung my pvc onto the kiwi trellis and it hasn't moved for many years. It fills up every year.
John S
PDX OR
This article shows a photo of a pvc house that is what I have seen used. I have never had success hanging the nests. Its seems to me if they swing or move the bees don't like it much. I'd find a way to mount it firmly but that's just my experience. Here's a link to the article.
http://clark.wsu.edu/volunteer/mg/gm_ti ... nbees.html
I don't like the PVC tubes hung in trees. Practical as they may be, they look horrible and more importantly, they blow around in the wind, and that is definitely no good for the bees. Plastic also tends to trap moisture and condensation, which may or may not be a problem.
I much prefer making wooden containers like these:
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Oops, I hit the 'submit' button instead of 'preview'... I wasn't finished.
Anyway, the houses shown in the picture above would require cover from rain, which is ideal in general if you happen to have it close by. I have others like the one on the left that have a deeper roof that provides ample protection from raindrops. But even these require some structure to hang on, like a fence, or the side of a house or shed. I guess that's why the PVC is so often used, it has the fewest requirements. If you do use them, I would sugges trying to fasten them in a way that minimizes swinging.
Idyllwild
simplepress
jafar
Marsha H
Viron
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