Mason Bee Mud Mix

Moist, clay-rich mud located within about 10 to 20 feet of the bee house is vital for successfully raising spring mason bees.

Our Mason Bee Mud Mix is 8 ounces of dry clay mix that can supply about 100 nesting female bees for a season. Female mason bees will not nest in a yard that has soil that is loamy, sandy, or lacks clay-rich mud.

Instructions

1. Dig a hole in the ground within 10-20 ft of your bee house.

2. Mix the powder in this bag with 1/4 cup of water in a bowl or jar. Mix thoroughly. It may be dry and crumbly. Add water 1 Tbsp. at a time, mixing well after each addition. It should be thick and pliable. You should be able to knead it like modeling clay. If you made a ball of it in your hand, it would maintain its shape. 

3. Add the clay mixture to the southernmost sidewall of the hole you dug.

4. Recycle this bag! It's already made from 100% recycled materials! 90% post-consumer content. Close the loop!

5. Voilà! You're all set. Just remember to check on your exposed mud source often to make sure it hasn't flooded or dried out.

Pro Tips:

  • Your ground water should keep the mud moist. If not, soak the ground near the hole daily.
  • Don't use a container because the mud mix can either become dry or remain too wet.  
  • Use the Mason Bee Mud Box if you live in an arid location, have very sandy soil, or if your mud mix dries out within a day.

CAUTION: Avoid inhalation of dried clay. Avoid contact with your eyes.