Ever wonder what mason bees are doing inside the nesting cavities?
After eggs hatch, the larva will consume the pollen loaf and slowly develop into an adult bee. The process from egg to cocoon takes roughly one month.
Remember:
- The larvae need natural summer temperatures to fully develop into adult bees. Don't open any nesting materials, place in refrigerator, or harvest cocoons until mid to late fall.
- Protect developing bees over the summer. Place nesting materials in a Bee Guard Bag (or other breathable bag), mud capped ends up, in an unconditioned garage or shed. They need natural summer temps to develop, so don't place in an air conditioned area. If you don't have a garage or shed, they may remain outside, just make sure they are sheltered from direct sunlight and rain.
- Bee mindful of rodents! Mice love to snack on mason bee larvae.
- Clean your bee house of any mud or insect debris and fill with 6 mm nesting materials for leafcutter bees OR an assortment of sizes for wild bees.