The Garden Bug: Orchard Mason Bees

By Brenda Weaver

Shiny, dark-blue and smaller than a honey bee, the orchard mason bee can be encouraged to live in urban areas, as it is beneficial, non-aggressive and non-damaging to structures. Build it a bee house, by taking a 4x4 untreated block of wood, drilling smooth holes about 5/16" in diameter in a grid on one side, and at least 3" deep into the wood. Create an over-hanging roof, and hang it firmly at least 3 feet up.

Source: gardening.wsu.edu
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