To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
FREE Returns
Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
Other Sellers on Amazon
Added
Sold by: KBGifts
Sold by: KBGifts
(35 ratings)
97% positive over lifetime
Shipping rates and Return policy
Added
Sold by: Everything_Wildlife
Sold by: Everything_Wildlife
(53 ratings)
100% positive over last 12 months
Shipping rates and Return policy

Interactive Wooden Bee House - Pollinator Bee Management System

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 3,026 ratings
Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately.
Amazon's Choice

To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
FREE Returns

Purchase options and add-ons

Brand Wildlife World
Product Dimensions 6.5"D x 7.09"W x 7.09"H
Material Wood
Color white
Style Modern

About this item

  • SOLITARY BEE HABITAT: This bee habitat has pre-drilled holes to safely attract many nesting bee species, such as leafcutter and carpenter bees These are a gardener's best friend Beneficial for the pollination of flowers, fruit, and vegetables
  • EDUCATIONAL: Watch the bee life cycle Stacking trays can be opened and examined The lid opens so you can see inside Create a natural, eco-friendly "beehive" habitat and enjoy watching the solitary bee's life cycle
  • SAFE FOR CHILDREN & PETS: Mason bees are friendly, industrious, and non-aggressive wild bees They enhance the productivity of your yard and attract bees to the habitat, rather than cracks in your patio or home
  • BENEFICIAL & BEAUTIFUL: Charming, attractive house design looks great in the garden and can be mounted on a wall or a fence Ideal for those who love the environment, and natural, functional outdoor decor for the yard
  • EASY TO USE: Help the bees Place above the ground in a warm, sunny south-facing position Ideally, near plenty of nectar-rich flowers, plants and trees Mason bees work harder than other bees and are extra beneficial for your plants

Customer ratings by feature

Sturdiness
4.4 4.4
Giftable
4.3 4.3
Craftsmanship
4.2 4.2
Value for money
4.1 4.1

Frequently bought together

$37.13
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
+
$17.60
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
These items are shipped from and sold by different sellers.
Choose items to buy together.

Product Description

The Wildlife World Interactive Wooden Bee House is ideal for education and natural bee preservation The bee nester habitat is constructed of untreated, FSC-certified timber with proper hole size for many pollinator bee species, such as the red mason bee, leafcutter bee, and masked bee The wood house features stacking trays which can be opened for inspection and cleaning

Attracting solitary bees near your home is safe and beneficial to the pollination of flowers, fruit, and vegetable plants, and trees Mason bees are born pollinators and are not aggressive These friendly bees are industrious and safe around children and pets This bee house helps preserve and promote the natural ecology of the solitary bee family which, unlike bumble bees or honey bees, don't live in colonies in a hive They are gentle and wonderful pollinators in your backyard Solitary bees have a fascinating life cycle, laying their larvae in tubes or tunnels where they gestate for 9 months before emerging in the spring

The hole sizes of this habitat are precisely specified to attract non-swarming species The bees are naturally attracted to holes in wood and the Wildlife World solitary beehive provides a habitat that has become harder to find in modern gardens The beehive trays can be carefully separated to view the formation of small cells where the eggs are laid, or indeed where predators have been active

Makes an excellent gift for those who love insects, bird or bug-watching, gardeners, beekeepers, farmers, and more Save the bees With this bee house, you are contributing to the preservation of the environment and bee population

Based in Gloucestershire, UK, Wildlife World designs and manufactures wildlife-friendly products Our efforts to produce innovative and valuable nesting habitats and feeders for birds, mammals, amphibians, and insects benefit wildlife all over the world


From the manufacturer

Wildlife World educational bee house for gardens - transforming gardens to wildlife friendly spaces
Safe and easy pollinating beehive - made to attract non-swarming bees, safe for kids and pets

Help save the bees with this attractive and functional garden habitat. The Wildlife World Interactive Mason Bee House is designed to attract mason bees to your yard. Always a friend to the gardener, attracting solitary bees to the garden is not only safe but beneficial to the pollination of flowers, fruit, and vegetables. The bees are naturally attracted to holes in wood and the Wildlife World Interactive Mason Bee House provides a habitat that has become harder to find in modern gardens.

TRIED AND TESTED DESIGN: A solitary beehive made even better! Attract bees AND see inside and easily open for inspection.

MADE TO ATTRACT NON-SWARMING BEES: The hole sizes of this habitat are precisely specified to attract non-swarming bees like the Red Mason Bee, Leafcutter Bee, and other solitary bees.

SAFE FOR KIDS & PETS: These are friendly bees that are industrious and safe around children and pets.

PERFECT FOR GARDENS: These bees work hard as pollinators to increase productivity in your garden.

GREAT FOR EDUCATION: The beehive trays can be carefully separated to view the formation of small cells where the eggs are laid, or indeed where predators have been active. See the cells where bees lay their eggs and larvae develops.

NATURAL & BENEFICIAL: Make way in the garden for this excellent conversation and decor piece. The bee hotel not only looks fantastic, but will help your flowers and plants reach their full potential.

FULL KIT: This set is ideal for beginners and includes everything you need to get started.

The resources for caring for these bees are easy to provide. You will enjoy being a part of and seeing the bee ecosystem thrive in your backyard. As efficient pollinators, these bees also make great neighbors! This house makes it easy to safely attract and create a habitat for solitary bees.

Benefits of the Wildlife World Bee House

wildlife world easy monitoring Flip-Top Roof - safe to observe and educational

FSC certified timber, no chemical treatments needed. Untreated wood safe for bees and environment

wildlife world removable stacking shelving easy clean bee habitat - inspect when bees vacate

Educational Beehive

Enjoy the educational aspect of beekeeping. This bee house allows for frequent, easy monitoring of bee nesting activity and larvae development.

  • Safe to observe: Solitary bees are non-aggressive.
  • An easy way to support bees in their local ecosystems, right in your backyard!

Made of FSC Cedar

No chemical treatments needed. This bee habitat is made from durable Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber.

  • Untreated wood. Looks great in the garden and is safe for bees.
  • FSC timber is responsibly managed, socially beneficial, conscious of the environment, and economically viable.

Removable Shelving

This bee house features holes drilled to the proper size to ensure the bee's safety. Since the trays are removable, you can easily clean and inspect as needed.

  • Stacking trays may be inspected after bee activity has ceased (Autumn/Winter).

how to use: place in sunny position, mount between ground level and 1.5m on ground, trees or surface

Bee Education and Information

HOW TO IDENTIFY CAVITY NESTING BEES

What types of bees are nesting in your bee house? A simple way to promote conservation and future management of beneficial bee populations is through the use of observation. Female bees of these species will fill a tube or chamber with material and then seal the end. Learn what bees are nesting by noting what color the bees are and what material is used to partition the cells:

  • Mason Bees (metallic, solid black, and other colors) have a cell partition material of mud and chewed plant material.
  • Resin Bees (striped) have a cell partition material of plant resins, sand, and pebbles.
  • Leafcutter Bees (striped) have a cell partition material of cut or chewed leaf sections.
  • Carder Bees (black and yellow, or black and white) have a cell partition material of compacted fibers, hair, resin, and sand.
  • Carpenter Bees (various colors) have a cell partition material of compacted sawdust.
  • Masked Bees (various colors) have a cell partition material of a plastic-like membrane.

HOW TO USE

  • Site in a sunny position facing between south to southeast to catch some morning sun, which bees love.
  • Mount between ground level and 5-feet high. Can be set on the ground, in trees, or on a surface.
  • TIPS: Protect full bee tubes with mesh to prevent predation by woodpeckers. Protect and shield from wind. Clean in the late autumn or winter after bee activity has ceased.

ABOUT WILDLIFE WORLD

Based in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom, Wildlife World is the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of wildlife-friendly products for the garden. Our efforts to produce innovative and valuable nesting habitats and feeders for birds, mammals, amphibians, and insects are benefiting wildlife all over the world. And our commitment to original product features has gained us an enviable reputation as leaders in design and manufacturing.

By buying Wildlife World products you are helping us to support a huge range of environmental and wildlife projects. These include the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust, British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Hedgehog Rescue Centres, Wotton Animal Rescue, Oak & Furrows, Epping Forest Hedgehog Rescue, International Bee Research Association, RNLI Royal National Institute for Lifeboats, The Centre for Alternative Technology, and other Wildlife Rescue Centres. As well as supporting and off-setting with Climate Care.

Wildlife world Eco Beacon Birder Feeder Wildlife world Swing seat bird feeder Wildlife world Oasis Bath and drinker wildlife world butterfly house wildlife world interactive bee hive
Wildlife World Eco Beacon Bird Feeder Wildlife World Regency Swing Seat Feeder Wildlife World Nature Oasis Bird Bath Wildlife World Butterfly House and Feeder Wildlife World Interactive Wooden Bee House
Customer Reviews
3.3 out of 5 stars
26
4.4 out of 5 stars
127
3.6 out of 5 stars
956
4.4 out of 5 stars
458
4.3 out of 5 stars
3,026

Looking for specific info?

Product information

Warranty & Support

Manufacturer’s warranty can be requested from customer service. Click here to make a request to customer service.

Feedback

Wildlife

Wildlife World Interactive Wooden Bee House - Pollinator Bee Management System


Found a lower price? Let us know. Although we can't match every price reported, we'll use your feedback to ensure that our prices remain competitive.

Where did you see a lower price?

/
/
/
/
Please sign in to provide feedback.

Compare with similar items

This Item
Wildlife World Interactive Wooden Bee House - Pollinator Bee Management System
Wildlife World Interactive Wooden Bee House - Pollinator Bee Management System
Recommendations
POLLIBEE Mason Bee House, Wax Coated Carpenter Bee House for Outdoors,Roof Design,Mason Bee House Kit,Honey Bee House,Attracts Peaceful Bee Pollinators to Your Garden,Carpenter Bee House
dummy
TOOBEETT Mason Bee House Wax Coated Mason Bee Hive Wooden Insect Hotel Carpenter Bee House for Outdoors Attracts Peaceful Bee Pollinators to Your Garden
dummy
Mason Bee House - Handmade Natural Wooden Bee Hive Coated with Wax for Water-Proof and Long Service Life - Attracts Peaceful Bee Pollinators to Your Garden,Carpenter Bee Houses for Garden
dummy
Mason Bee House Wax Coated Bee House,Carpenter Bee Hotel for The Garden,Pollinator House Waterproof, Natural Handmade Wooden Mason Bee Hotel for Pollinating Bees Garden Supplies,Attracts Peaceful Bee
dummy
Mason Bee House Wax Coated Bee Hive,Carpenter Bee House for The Garden, Solitary Bee Hotel Waterproof,Natural Handmade Wooden Mason Bee Box Tiny Home,Attracts Peaceful Bee Pollinators,Bee Keeping Gift
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Price-26% $37.13
List:$50.00
-6% $29.99
Typical:$31.99
$36.90$24.80$25.80$22.99
Delivery
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Customer Ratings
Sturdiness
4.4
4.5
4.8
4.8
4.2
4.0
Craftsmanship
4.2
4.5
4.6
4.6
4.0
4.0
Value for money
4.1
4.5
4.3
4.6
4.4
4.5
Giftable
4.3
4.5
4.5
4.0
Sold By
Amazon.com
POLLIBEE
TOOBEETT
POLLIBEE
POLLIBEE
POLLIBEE
material
Wood
Wood
Wood
Wood
Wood,Metal, Kraft paper
style
Modern
Modern
Modern
Modern
Hexagon, Box
Modern
assembly required

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
3,026 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the quality, appearance and ease of taking apart of the animal shelter. For example, they mention it's well made, attractive and easy to setup and take apart. Opinions are mixed on ease of cleaning, size and value.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

83 customers mention63 positive20 negative

Customers like the quality of the animal shelter. They say it's well made, holds up well, and is easy to take apart and clean. Customers also mention that the trays come apart easily for end of season cleaning. Overall, customers are satisfied with the product's quality and functionality.

"This little pollinator hotel is great. It is well made easy to take apart and clean...." Read more

"Like how it comes apart. Right out of the box I soaked with boiled linseed oil (except actual cells). Will fill screw holes with bees wax...." Read more

"...The copper atop the peak is adorable as well as functional. It is easy to unscrew the wingnuts to separate the 'floors'...." Read more

"...Cedar roof, eave was broken off and laying in the box.A shake or check inside might have told you there was a problem...." Read more

39 customers mention39 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the animal shelter. They mention that it has an attractive design and is a great addition to their garden.

"...It is well made easy to take apart and clean. Plus small and attractive enough that it can sit on my porch or gazebo...." Read more

"...The design is very attractive. The copper atop the peak is adorable as well as functional...." Read more

"Nice bee house, but I'm thinking by the condition of the first box and all the tape on it, it was either a return, or it left the warehouse that way...." Read more

"Overall, the bee hotel looks good and sturdy. But there is an issue when I unbox it out from the delivery...." Read more

11 customers mention8 positive3 negative

Customers like the ease of taking apart the animal shelter. They mention that it's easy to unscrew the wing nuts to separate the floors and cells. They also appreciate that each section is removeable.

"...It is easy to unscrew the wingnuts to separate the 'floors'...." Read more

"Well constructed and easy to separate cells to recover bees at the end of the season." Read more

"...The craftsmanship is a little lacking, taking it apart will be a pain, but thankfully I only will need to do that once or twice a year...." Read more

"...Each section is removeable.The item is held together with screws, instead of nails.The wood appears to be heavy and well-machined...." Read more

6 customers mention6 positive0 negative

Customers find the animal shelter easy to assemble. They mention it's well-made, easy to hang, and comes with good instructions.

"it was smaller than I thought it would be. easy to hang, well constructed" Read more

"...The house is well made and easy to assemble." Read more

"...Came with good instructions, Made in England. Easy opening to avoid parasites next year after they are out in the world...." Read more

"Beautifully made, comes with good instructions, I am going to hang it tomorrow because bees have already shown up at my new house, and I know that..." Read more

3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

Customers find the animal shelter child friendly and a great summer project for all ages. They also say it's perfect for nature loving daughters.

"...She especially liked the idea that is is “child friendly” and attracts bees living in the area rather than purchasing commercially supplied bees." Read more

"Perfect for my nature loving daughter! So cool to learn about solitary bees. This is small enough for anyone to find space to use." Read more

"Great summer project for all ages IF the instructions were with it!..." Read more

23 customers mention12 positive11 negative

Customers are mixed about the ease of cleaning. Some mention that it's well constructed and easy to clean, while others say that the four upper holes are not accessible to clean.

"...It’s the correct depth , well made and comes apart for cleaning. The other one was more of a bird buffet. I want the mason bees for my garden." Read more

"...the holes were misaligned, I unscrew it to open the house to check it out like the instructions said it was really hard to open and the bottom part..." Read more

"This design should make cleaning easy except for the top four holes which require straws...." Read more

"...The cheaper boxes makes it impossible to clean properly. And this is easier than using paper tubes." Read more

21 customers mention14 positive7 negative

Customers are mixed about the size of the animal shelter. Some mention it's a great little bee hive with an actual roof that is large enough to protect the bees. However, others say that it was much smaller than they expected, the hangers are too small, and the cell sizes are miss-cut and not consistent.

"...It is well made easy to take apart and clean. Plus small and attractive enough that it can sit on my porch or gazebo...." Read more

"...The hangers are too small and would not provide stable mounts even if larger. I attached aluminum angles to the back and drilled a single hole...." Read more

"...Unlike many, the roof is an actual roof that is large enough to protect the bees - and they covered the roof joint with metal so it won't leak in a..." Read more

"...It is a good size and the price was right!" Read more

7 customers mention4 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the value of the animal shelter. Some mention that it has the best quality for a really good price, while others say that it was a waste of money and extremely disappointing when the recipient opened it.

"Good quality and reasonable price. If you want to provide a home for solitary bees, like Mason bees, this is the proper kind...." Read more

"...This was a gift, and was extremely disappointing when the recipient opened it and found it to be cracked." Read more

"...It is a good size and the price was right!" Read more

"Poor craftsmanship! Two Wood Layers Warped They're Unusable. Two Top holes only drilled an inch deep, top layer can't be cleaned. A piece of junk!" Read more

Very nice (with caveats)
4 Stars
Very nice (with caveats)
So, of course I took it apart and measured all the holes. I had my son carve a few of them deeper to approach 5" when they were shallow. I do wish the overall footprint was a bit larger to make them 5+ inches readily. Also, the top row of holes (the 'penthouse') cannot be opened (I anticipated this, no issue there) but they were only about 2 1/2" deep. This may be due to roof hardware. My son tried to drill them deeper with only partial success. I guess those will produce only males.I added silicone to the small screws exposed on the roof that attach the roof to the angled roof supports.Anyway, none of that seems to matter to the bees. You can see we slung the nesting box below using rubber bands on the wingnuts, and we have had action by both mason and leaf-cutter bees!As new bee-tenders (not much 'keeping' needed) I like the option of being able to check on the health of the cocoons and possibly (some day) cleaning and wintering them inside. Although in my climate, that shouldn't be necessary; I will probably let them go through winter outside in their semi-protected spot and see how it goes without much intervention the first year.The design is very attractive. The copper atop the peak is adorable as well as functional. It is easy to unscrew the wingnuts to separate the 'floors'. Overall I think this house was a good choice with the flexibility to be as involved as we want to be.
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2023
6 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2021
Customer image
ALE
4.0 out of 5 stars Very nice (with caveats)
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2021
So, of course I took it apart and measured all the holes. I had my son carve a few of them deeper to approach 5" when they were shallow. I do wish the overall footprint was a bit larger to make them 5+ inches readily. Also, the top row of holes (the 'penthouse') cannot be opened (I anticipated this, no issue there) but they were only about 2 1/2" deep. This may be due to roof hardware. My son tried to drill them deeper with only partial success. I guess those will produce only males.

I added silicone to the small screws exposed on the roof that attach the roof to the angled roof supports.

Anyway, none of that seems to matter to the bees. You can see we slung the nesting box below using rubber bands on the wingnuts, and we have had action by both mason and leaf-cutter bees!

As new bee-tenders (not much 'keeping' needed) I like the option of being able to check on the health of the cocoons and possibly (some day) cleaning and wintering them inside. Although in my climate, that shouldn't be necessary; I will probably let them go through winter outside in their semi-protected spot and see how it goes without much intervention the first year.

The design is very attractive. The copper atop the peak is adorable as well as functional. It is easy to unscrew the wingnuts to separate the 'floors'. Overall I think this house was a good choice with the flexibility to be as involved as we want to be.
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image
Customer imageCustomer image
17 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2022
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars Cedar beehouse,lousy box,2nd one came in on piece
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2022
Nice bee house, but I'm thinking by the condition of the first box and all the tape on it, it was either a return, or it left the warehouse that way. Cedar roof, eave was broken off and laying in the box.

A shake or check inside might have told you there was a problem. I just purchased a second one, this one arrived in one piece
From what I've seen I think these are the nicer ones available.
I already have a hole plugged
Yay! See
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image
Customer imageCustomer image
One person found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2023
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars They love it
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2023
Hung this 5 feet high facing East with afternoon shade. Put chicken wire to keep the woodpeckers out. They are using it!!!! Fantastic!! Looking forward to NOT needing to pollinate my tomatoes and zucchini. Welcome bees, welcome to a NO pesticide environment
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
3 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2023
One person found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2023
2 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2022
4 people found this helpful
Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
MASSIMO GINI
5.0 out of 5 stars Stupenda
Reviewed in Italy on March 29, 2022
Customer image
MASSIMO GINI
5.0 out of 5 stars Stupenda
Reviewed in Italy on March 29, 2022
Intanto devo dire che è stupenda. Più piccola di quello che mi aspettassi ma davvero fatta molto bene. L'angolino del giardino creato è davvero idilliaco, pare uscito da una fiaba. La casina è robusta, unica pecca come ho letto in tantissime recensioni è il tetto che va assolutamente coperto. Io avevo delle tegoline canadesi che uso per tutte le casette (uccellini, scoiattolo, ricci) che ho in giardino e vanno benissimo. Proteggono la casetta per la pioggia perchè col tempo il legno si rovina inesorabilmente. Spero entrino presto le api solitarie! Ricordate che non basta comprare la casina e lasciarla in giardino o sul terrazzo dimenticandosela. Ogni autunno va controllata, smontata e pulita da insetti purtroppo morti al suo interno, per poterla rimettere fuori la primavera successiva pronta ad accogliere altre api.
ottimo prodotto consigliatissimo!
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image Customer image
Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
5 people found this helpful
Report
Stephanie
5.0 out of 5 stars Ein rundum tolles Produkt!
Reviewed in Germany on June 2, 2019
Customer image
Stephanie
5.0 out of 5 stars Ein rundum tolles Produkt!
Reviewed in Germany on June 2, 2019
Das Produkt wurde sehr gut verpackt und zeitnah wie angegeben geliefert. Das Material des Bienenhauses riecht angenehm und das Holz hat auch keine Splitter an den Eingängen, sodass das Produkt sofort aufgestellt/aufgehängt werden konnte. Da wir mitten in der Stadt wohnen, war ich skeptisch, ob das Haus tatsächlich angenommen wird. Nach mittlerweile zwei Wochen ist aber eine Wildbiene eingezogen und fliegt das Haus regelmäßig gezielt an. Habe daraufhin direkt noch ein zweites Haus für den Garten meiner Eltern bestellt, die genauso begeistert sind. Fazit: ein rundum tolles Produkt, was auch sehr schick auf dem Balkon bzw. im Garten aussieht!
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
One person found this helpful
Report
Chopin
5.0 out of 5 stars J'aime beaucoup
Reviewed in France on October 16, 2018
24 people found this helpful
Report
Glenn Cook
5.0 out of 5 stars Well Made, Great Design and Brilliant For Bees.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2017
Customer image
Glenn Cook
5.0 out of 5 stars Well Made, Great Design and Brilliant For Bees.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2017
The Wildlife World Solitary Bee Hive is an excellent, robust and well-designed resource and haven for your garden and home.

I say the word 'haven' because it is just that a safe haven for solitary bees.

The price is very fair for this hive which is made from good quality timber.
It should, with a little forethought and care last you years and provide a nest for the bees as well as giving your flowers, garden and fruits a big boost whilst doing nature a big favour.
The box is robust and requires no maintenance.
To locate I would have it about 1 to 2 metres high on a warm wall or fence facing South- South East. Ideally close to flowing trees or plants.
I located mine under the eaves if the roof to ensure the box is protected from the worst of the weather, snow or rain.
That is really all you need to know it is a worthwhile and thoughtful investment- as a gift it is brilliant.

Now the next bit is a little anecdotal and not essential to read but where else can I write this?

About ten years ago I was fortunate to work as a supply teacher in a school in Stallingborough.
We were doing a project on mini-beasts and I found the school had a professionally made 'solitary bees' hive.

I screwed it to the wall on the classroom wall and was amazed that within a day the hive was used.
During the rest of the next few months the hive was full.
Now I considered myself quite well read on Mini-beasts – as a Primary Teacher I needed to be. But the hive and actually being able to observe the bees first hand was totally educating.

The children learned a great deal too. If you have no idea what solitary bees are like you can 'google ' the subject yourself. But this is far better you get the opportunity to see and attract the bees first hand.
Now solitary bees don't sting so they are safe for children, adults and the elderly alike.
This hive will attract Orchard/Mason bees early in the season (the bees use mud to seal the grubs and eggs) later the holes will be used by leafcutter bees that use leaves rather than mud to seal theirs.

Now I was amazed at just how small and ant-like solitary bees are. You really can see how the two species evolved from the same genus in the far past.
By installing this box you really are helping wildlife so give your self a pat on the back and congratulate yourself.

Thanks for reading.

PostScript. I repositioned my beehive about 1-metre high on a South Facing Wall of the House.
This was at the end of April. Within 2 days solitary bees started using the holes.
Other 'hives' longs drilled with holes and cut bamboo canes have just been ignored.

The key is location location location. Warm wall, and sunny South facing.

I've enclosed a few photos showing close ups of the holes 7 filled by Mason Bees the 8th by leaf cutter.
The hive is in constant use.
PSS. One year later the bees have hatched. The males are the first to hatch and frantically try to break into the cells containing the females so they can mate. But the problem is that the new females have begun to lay a new brood so it is hard to know if and when to clean out the hive.

Latest problem is a woodpecker has attacked the nesting holes in an attempt to eat the larva. Nature in the raw.
Ppps.
Noticed all the 'new hives' I put up have been used but this one seemed to have holes everywhere. I took the box apart and found that none of the holes had been reused.
Could this because of the 'debris' left behind by this years hatchlings?
Or the fact the all the bees seemed to be disturbed by the males/
I have cleaned out the tubes and place the box in the shed and plan to put it up early in the new year.
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image
Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
33 people found this helpful
Report
David
5.0 out of 5 stars BBB
Reviewed in Spain on August 4, 2018
5 people found this helpful
Report