Installing Your New Villa Bee House

 

Sustainably sourced and handcrafted in Western Washington.

Sustainability is important to us at every step of the process. Our manufacturer sources wood from logging companies who use sustainable harvesting methods including: selective, downed tree and post-wildfire forestry techniques. To ensure nothing goes to waste, we also use wood left over from larger projects. 

Our houses provide a roof and shelter that protects bees and nesting materials from weather and wind. The joints are glued and stapled for structural soundness. They include a hatchery at the top where you can place bee cocoons while they wait to emerge. A bird guard can also be added to prevent birds from eating nesting and developing bees. 

Installation Instructions

  • If you receive your house after September 1st, put it in a weatherproof storage location and bring it out just as daytime temperatures are approaching 55°F (13°C). Otherwise, you may hang it as soon as you receive it.
  • Select a location that faces S to SE. Warm morning sun is optimal to encourage bees to fly. Provide afternoon shade in hot locations that are consistently above 90°F (32°C).
  • Install the house on a sturdy wall or fence at eye level for easy observation of bee activity—about 5ft (1.5m) from the ground to protect from pests and predators.
  • Locate the house within 300ft (100m) of your flowers.
  • Position your bee house away from birdhouses and bird feeders.

Villa Bee House by Crown Bees

Bee Habitat Display at Bethpage State Park in New York

 

  • You can treat the bee house with low-VOC paint or exterior stain. Let it dry for at least 30 days before installing so the bees aren't deterred by residual odor.
  • The keyhole back makes installation easy: Just hang the cedar house on a screw or nail. You can also mount it on top of a post.

Nesting Materials

  • Your bee house includes a variety of nesting materials for native, solitary bee species of many sizes. 
  • Place the natural needs in the bee house with the open end facing out. This is no exercise in neatness. See this 1-minute video for a demo on how to be "messy like a bee".
 Dave Hunter, Owner, Crown Bees

 

Overwintering

Bring your bee house indoors for the winter. Storing it away from freezing water will keep it looking its best. 

Links to Products Mentioned in this Article

Bird Guard

Pollinator Pack for Wild Bees (40Ct) (for refilling)

Remember: You are under no obligation to purchase your supplies from Crown Bees, but you receive a 15% discount when you do.