Retail stores sell Beediverse mason bee cocoons in snap-cap vials. Cocoons were harvested from nesting tunnels and cleaned. |
Loose cocoons harvested from nesting tunnels can also be placed underneath the roof of the Highrise-“the attic” |
Move cocoons towards the back. of the Highrise so they dont roll out the exit gap. |
Drop roof over attic in readiness for spring. |
lissa
I am in Vancouver and just purchased a royal house and a vial of cocoons, which I was told to place in my fridge. Is it okay to put them out like this now? I was told at the store to wait until it is consistently 14 degrees out, but I think I read one one of your product sites that you can place them out now and thy will emerge from the cocoons when they are ready. I notice a lot of plants are starting to bloom now.
Thanks!
Margriet
Hi- Yes set out your mason bee cocoons. It is time. All kinds of flowers are out including Pieris japonica, Heathers and some flowering cherries. When males emerge, they can forage on these flowers while waiting for the ladies to appear!
lissa
Thanks for your quick response to this post and my emails! I did find some of the answers on this site after I sent the email.
So, they're out now and hatching (need to talk to the landlord about that fridge… milk is spoiling too 🙂
I've placed some flowering rosemary and blue irises and crocuses nearby… i hope they like these too.
There is an overhang to protect them from the rain… will they be okay with rain coming in the next few days?
Margriet
When it is too cold or raining, the newly emerged bees will wait for warmer weather. Yes, the mason bee home has to be protected from the rain to enable the mason bees to be successful in doing their pollination work and producing offspring for next year.