Mason bees are gentle, solitary bees that are highly effective pollinators for fruit trees and gardens. Unlike honey bees, they do not live in hives or make honey.

Are mason bees better pollinators than honey bees?

For home gardens and orchards, mason bees are often far more efficient than honey bees because they carry pollen loosely on their bodies and pollinate more flowers per visit.

Mason bees are gentle bees and rarely sting. Because they do not defend a hive, stings are extremely uncommon.

Are mason bees safe around kids and pets?

Yes. Mason bees are calm, non-aggressive, and widely considered safe around children and pets.

What plants do mason bees pollinate best?

Mason bees excel at pollinating apples, cherries, pears, plums, blueberries, and other early-blooming plants.

When should I buy mason bees?

Mason bees should be purchased before early spring bloom in your region to ensure proper timing and availability.

Is it hard to raise mason bees?

No. Mason bees are easy to raise and require very little time, equipment, or ongoing maintenance.

Do mason bees come back every year?

Yes. With proper nesting and basic care, mason bees can reproduce and return year after year.

Do I need to buy mason bees every year?

Not necessarily. Many gardeners develop a self-sustaining population over time.

Can mason bees damage my house?

No. Mason bees do not chew wood or damage structures. They only nest in pre-made tunnels.

Are mason bees good for small or urban gardens?

Yes. Mason bees thrive in small spaces and are ideal for urban and backyard gardens.

Why buy mason bees from Crown Bees?

Crown Bees provides region-specific bees, responsibly designed nesting systems, and expert educational support.

Bee House Setup Guide: Where and How to Install

Proper placement of your bee house is one of the most important steps for healthy, thriving bees. A well-positioned house keeps nesting materials dry, warm, and protected so your Mason and Summer Leaf bees stay active and productive all season.

Fall Care Tip: In fall, take down your bee house, remove nesting materials, clean out debris, and check for pests or mold. After cleaning, apply a light coat of rosewood preservative to protect the cedar. Store in a dry place through winter and hang again in early spring.

Crown Bees BeeSafe™ Nesting Design Standard

Our best-practice framework for safer cavity-nesting bee habitat focused on bee health, not just garden décor.

Sealed at one end to block pests
Breathable materials that dry quickly
Easy to open for cocoon harvesting and cleaning
Bee-sized tunnel diameter and length
Replaceable or cleanable nesting each season

Learn which nesting materials to avoid →

Watch: Bee House Setup

Best Practices Checklist

Mount securely on a wall, fence, or post. Houses should not sway.
Face east to southeast for morning sun. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.
Height: about 4–7 ft off the ground.
Wind & rain protection is important.
Mason bees: clay-like mud source within ~20–50 ft.
Summer Leaf bees: soft leafy plants nearby.
Flowers within ~300 ft and avoid pesticides.

Bee House Design Features (Examples)

Keyhole slot on back of cedar bee house — Keyhole slot on back makes hanging on a sturdy wall or fence fast and secure.

Bee house roof overhang detail — Two-inch roof overhang protects nesting materials from rain and direct sun.

Bee house mounted on fence with nesting reeds — Mounted on a fence with bee-safe nesting reeds.

Bee house with bird guard installed — Optional Bird Guard protects cocoons from birds.

Good vs. Bad Bee Houses

Avoid:

Bamboo bundles or plastic blocks that can’t be opened
Unsealed tubes open at both ends
Single-walled paper tubes
Unstable or decorative-only insect hotels

Upgrade Old Houses in Your Community

If you see an unhealthy bee house nearby, consider offering a healthier alternative and sharing this neighbor-friendly pamphlet.

Shop Bee Houses Shop Nesting Materials

Crown Bees BeeSafe™ Nesting Design Standard

Watch: Bee House Setup

Best Practices Checklist

Bee House Design Features (Examples)

Good vs. Bad Bee Houses

Upgrade Old Houses in Your Community

Learn More