Maintenance reminder for Bee Houses
It is the time of year to prepare your Bee houses for next season, as well as make sure to provide a safe place for any larvae that have been placed in the nesting tubes. First, remove and inspect all of the tubes and separate out any that appear to be inhabited with larvae. The tell tale sign is an end to the tube that appears to be plugged with either mud or leaf material. Be sure to inspect both ends as occasionally a tube will be partially filled and can contain viable larvae in just a portion of the tube. Next, place the inhabited tubes in a small box with about a 1” hole cut in an upper corner. Place the box in a covered shed or garage that is unheated to make sure it stays free of moisture. The importance of keeping in an unheated space is so that the warming temperatures of spring will alert the larvae it is time to leave the nest. This usually occurs in late February to early March in our area.
With the remaining nest tubes, set aside those that appear to be in good shape and discard the rest. Prepare a solution of bleach and water (5 parts water to 1 part bleach is recommended, while others prefer a white vinegar and water solution, 3 to 1). Using a small bottle brush or larger pipe cleaner, remove any debris from the tubes and place the tubes in the bleach water solution for about 1 minute. It is probably best to discard the cardboard tubes as they may contain parasites even though they appear in good shape, and cannot be soaked in the water solution. Replacement tubes (usually called “Mason Bee Tubes”) can be obtained online from a garden supply vendor. Make sure the tubes are 6” in length. Take a rag and dip in the solution and thoroughly wipe out the interior of the bee house. If the bee house is installed in a more permanent mounting, like on a pole or post, refill the house with the clean or new tubes and cover to protect from moisture. Where possible, bring the bee house inside and keep covered to prevent access to any unwanted insects. These will need to be reinstalled in early spring as the mason bees will start the new cycle as soon as the early blooming fruit trees blossom and the larvae leave the nesting tubes.
This important work on behalf of our most efficient pollinators will insure that the food chain remains stable while providing the vital key to the success of our flower, and vegetable gardens.