Protect Your Pollinators
(Page 5 of 7)
Beyond the benefits of improved crop pollination, good food
and habitat for native bees has a ripple effect in the
natural world. Native bees pollinate forest trees and
wildflowers, which in turn provide food for wildlife. Cane
says that because wild bees are vegetarians, they will
never ruin your barbeque by buzzing around your burgers.
“Sit down and enjoy the bees,” he suggests.
“They are great fun to watch.”
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Barbara Pleasant is a veteran Mother Earth News
contributing editor and award-winning book author. She
lives in the mountains of western North Carolina.
Making Homes for Wild Bees
Solitary cavity-nesting species such as mason bees are
attracted to logs and dead trees, as well as hollow
branches such as bamboo or sumac. Elderberry stems also are
good because they have a soft pith that’s easily
cleaned out.avid Green of www.pollinator.com says
don’t place elderberry stems out too late in spring
because they also are susceptible to potter’s or
mason wasps — although those are beneficial natives,
too. Wild bees also will make their home in a suitable
handmade dwelling, in a dead tree trunk, block of wood or
bundle of tubes. Here are three easy-to-make bee homes:
Bundled Sticks
Bundle together a dozen or so 10-inch-long pieces of
half-inch-diameter bamboo or sumac that have been hollowed
out at one end with a drill or awl. Stuff the bundle into a
coffee can or piece of PVC pipe, and then wire it securely
onto a tree branch or fence post.
A Nesting Block
Start with an 8-inch-long piece of untreated 4-by-6 or
6-by-6 wood post, or use a short log.rill
three-eighths-inch holes, 6 to 7 inches deep and at least 1
inch apart. Blacken the front of the block by placing it in
a fire for a minute or two. Attach the block to a post or
tree branch.
A Bee Stump
Drill into a tall existing tree stump, making 6-inch-deep,
three-eighths-inch holes that are spaced 2 inches apart on
the south and east sides of the stump.
General Tips
A secure entrance is crucial, so holes about three-eighths
inch in diameter are best. The tube-shaped holes also
should be at least 6 inches deep, so you will need an
extension bit for your drill. Several species can control
the gender of their offspring, and they like to place
female eggs deep in their burrows, with male eggs closer to
the entrance. That way, males will be waiting when the
females emerge. The holes should be closed at one end to
ensure the safety of the eggs, too.
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