Beginner Basics
Raise Solitary Cavity-Nesting Bees
Welcome! If you're new to solitary bees, you're in the right place. Solitary bees are gentle, easy to raise, and incredible pollinators for gardens and farms.
At Crown Bees, we've helped tens of thousands of people get started with Mason bees in spring and Leafcutter bees in summer. Everything here is practical, research-driven, and tested by our team in Woodinville, Washington. These instructions support BeeSafe™ Seasonal Care, part of the Crown Bees BeeSafe™ Standard.
What is a solitary cavity-nesting bee?
Of the world's more than 20,000 bee species, about 90% are solitary, and roughly a quarter nest in hollow stems. In North America, that's about 1,000 species.
Solitary bees don't make honey, so they aren't territorial. They're safe around kids and pets, and they're so fun to watch.
Mason bees and Leafcutter bees carry loose pollen on their bodies, so every flower visit spreads pollen. That makes them some of nature's best pollinators.
Each species typically flies for 4 to 6 weeks. The eggs they lay this season become next year's bees.
How do I get started?
Over time, natural nesting sites for native bees have disappeared. Dead trees are cleared and plant stems are trimmed back each fall, removing the hollow spaces solitary bees once used to overwinter. Our mission is to bring native bees back to areas that have been missing natural pollination by providing safe, sustainable alternatives.
Give them a weather-sheltered house, clean removable nesting holes, and nearby blooms. A well-placed bee house mimics the protective nooks they once found in nature, helping native pollinators rebound right in your own yard.
Just like you wouldn't sleep in a hotel that never changes its sheets, bees need fresh, natural, openable reeds each season so you can clean and reuse safely. Clean nesting materials reduce pests and keep your bees healthy year after year.
Want an easy start? Our bestseller, the Cabana Kit, includes the house, nesting materials, and bees, and you choose the season.
Mason Bee Cabana Kit
Leafcutter Bee Cabana Kit
When can I start?
Discovery
You can host solitary bees from early spring through fall. Set up your bee house when dandelions begin to bloom, and offer a mix of reed sizes so Mason and Leafcutter bees can each find what fits. When nesting season ends, move your nesting materials to a protected spot for storage.
Spring
Mason bees emerge when daytime highs reach about 55°F, just as early blossoms appear. We ship ready-to-emerge Mason bee cocoons every Monday with free FedEx 2Day, so they never sit in a warehouse over the weekend. Other products in your order ship right away from Woodinville, WA.
Summer
Leafcutter bees overwinter as larvae and become adults when warm weather arrives. We time their shipping so they're ready to emerge on arrival. Their cocoons also go out on Mondays with free FedEx 2Day, and other products ship right away.
What do the bees need?
Plants
Choose pollen- and nectar-rich flowers with blooms from spring through fall. Native plants are best, but any pesticide-free, nectar-rich mix helps.
Nesting materials
Use clean, removable reeds that are 6 inches long and capped at one end. That length encourages a healthy mix of males and females; shorter reeds can limit next year's population. Mason bees prefer 8mm holes and Leafcutter bees prefer 6mm.
Bee houses
Not every bee house on the market is safe for bees. Many are decorative first and functional last, and pests are drawn to "cute" designs. Watch the short video. Our cedar bee houses are made in the USA from sustainably sourced Pacific Northwest cedar and built for long-term bee health.
Moisture and "door" materials
After laying an egg on a ball of pollen and nectar, each bee seals her chamber. Mason bees use moist, clay-like soil nearby, and Leafcutter bees use pieces of leaves. Other species may use resin or chewed plant fibers.
Water and shelter
Provide a shallow water dish with stones for landing. Mount your bee house on a sturdy surface, under an eave or facing the morning sun, to keep it dry and warm.
No chemicals
Avoid lawn and garden sprays the week before and during nesting season, about 5 to 6 weeks. If your neighbors spray, kindly share this brochure.
Your first year. Expect a little learning curve; it's part of the fun! Experiment with locations, track bloom times, and adjust your nesting materials. Invite friends or neighbors to join you. Learning together helps everyone's bees thrive.
Helpful resources
BeeMail
Seasonal tips and reminders twice a month. Subscribe here
Bee Knowledgeable library
Free guides and videos on caring for Mason and Leafcutter bees. Visit the library
YouTube
How-to videos, live Q&As, and Shorts. Crown Bees on YouTube
Help Desk
Find answers fast or email info@crownbees.com.
Where to go next
Ready to keep learning? Choose where you'd like to start.