Fill these easy-to-clean hexagonal wooden houses with natural reeds for either spring mason bees or summer leafcutter bees (reeds sold separately). Replace reeds annually. Solitary bees lay their eggs in any available tunnels, and populations are limited by the number of available sites. To help increase your local populations, mount the houses along edges of fields and orchards by early April, as most of these bees begin looking for nesting sites in April and May.

For optimal results and ease of monitoring, mount your houses at eye level in a wind-sheltered location facing southeast, but out of direct summer sunlight—excess heat build up can kill the pupae. The keyhole on the rear end of the bee house makes for easy mounting with a nail or screw. Before you mount your bee houses, consider giving yourself or your kids the opportunity to decorate them; water-based latex paints are best, and choose those with a VOC level under 50 grams/liter for everyone’s safety.

Jump-start your pollinator population by purchasing either mason bee or leafcutter bee cocoons (not currently sold by Fedco) that will hatch out safely in the hatchery tray at the top of your Cabana. Holds up to 200 cocoons.

The wood is sustainably-sourced red cedar from the Pacific Northwest, treated with rosewood oil for UV protection. Glued and stapled for durability and weather resistance. Constructed with a 2" overhang to shield against rain and enhance bee longevity. 6" wide x 9" long. Made in USA.