Knowledgebase

Wild bee hotel #833447

Asked June 02, 2023, 6:59 PM EDT

Is it too late in the season to put out a bee hotel to attract wild bees?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Any time of year is fine for buying or building and installing a bee house.  See the following website for more information.
Mary, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 02, 2023, 7:13 PM EDT
Thank you for the link to the pollinator nests article. It shows collecting hollow stems and bundling them into a container where bees can use them to nest. What I don't understand is when do you get rid of them? How do you know when the bees are through with them? Nothing I've read covers when it's safe to dispose of the straws or hollow reeds. More detail please. Thanks, Dianne
On Fri, Jun 2, 2023 at 6:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 10:17 PM EDT
Here are two more articles.  It is best to leave them in place for two years.  This allows the bees to overwinter for two full years.  They will find another spot after that-perhaps another group of stems that you have left for them.
https://beelab.umn.edu/create-nesting-habitat
https://xerces.org/publications/fact-sheets/nesting-overwintering-habitat
Mary, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 02, 2023, 10:56 PM EDT
Thanks so much. The xerces.org article gave much practical advice on managing my garden and landscaped areas to assist our little bees. -- Dianne
On Fri, Jun 2, 2023 at 9:56 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2023, 10:54 AM EDT
You are very welcome.  Thanks for looking out for the bees!
Mary, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 03, 2023, 11:23 AM EDT

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