The Starter Cottage is ready for nesting mason bees. Fix Starter cottage perpendicular to a sunny wall of a house or shed before bees emerge.
The starter cottage contains 20 nesting straws for 20 females. Early in the spring wild mason bees search for nest sites such as the Starter Cottage. Mason bees can also be bought and placed inside the Starter Cottage by creating space and removing 1 or 2 straws.
Remove frontspiece during spring so that the bees can be observed. When bees stop flying replace frontispiece. It will deter woodpeckers and mice from feeding on the bees.
Straws are meant for a one-time use. Once the bee uses the nest, dirt and parasites decreases the livability of the nest. If a straw is not used, it can be set out again the following spring.
In the fall (Oct-Dec) unfurl straws and gather hibernating mason bee cocoons. These can be washed and stored over the winter ready for the following spring.
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