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.

Getting Started with Solitary Bees: Buying Guide

Solitary bees are gentle, easy to raise, and fantastic cross-pollinators for backyard gardens, farms, and orchards. This guide keeps it simple and points you to deeper learning when you want it.

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Welcome! You’re in the Right Place

Hi! We’re so happy you’re interested in solitary bees. They’re the perfect pollinators for backyard gardens, farms, and orchards because they’re gentle, easy to raise, and fun to watch. They’re also superb cross-pollinators that can double or even triple your yields.

We know getting started can feel daunting with so many products and so much advice. How do you know what to select and where to begin? How can you tell the difference between bee-safe nesting materials and practices versus options that are poorly constructed and harmful to bees?

Crown Bees is a leader in native pollinator stewardship, providing education, conservation programs, and regionally appropriate solutions for supporting solitary bees.

We’re driven by research and community partnerships to ensure our bees and bee-raising products are bee-safe and sustainability-focused. We partner with beekeepers, researchers, universities, nonprofits, and government agencies to stay informed about the challenges facing managed and native bees—and to bring you the best practices to meet them.

Bee health standard

Crown Bees BeeSafe™ Nesting Design Standard

Our science-based framework for safer cavity-nesting bee habitat. Bee housing designed for health, not just garden décor.

Sealed at one end so pests can’t sneak in through the back
Breathable materials that dry out after rainstorms
Easy to open so you can harvest cocoons and reduce pests and disease
Bee-sized tunnels and length for healthy nesting success
Replaceable or cleanable nesting so problems don’t build up year after year

Inside the Guide

In this guide, we cover the fundamentals and provide step-by-step guidance to help you become a successful bee raiser.

Bee Houses — weather-resistant and mounted correctly.
Nesting materials — breathable, sealed at one end, easy to open.
Bees — the right bee at the right time for your blooms.
Accessories — simple tools that make bee care easy.

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