Summer Leaf bees hibernate as mature larvae inside their leafy cocoons. Incubation is essential for their development into adult bees, requiring warmth, humidity, and time.

Summer Leaf Bee Incubation Kit™ Instructions
The Summer Leaf Bee Incubation Kit™ provides a safe, temperature-controlled environment for incubating Summer Leaf bee cocoons.
SETTING UP THE INCUBATION BOX
Prepare the Heat Mat
- Plug in the heat mat.
- Turn the knob to align the marks, ensuring it will warm up the mat.
- Open the incubation box and place the green pad at the bottom. Ensure the top with the holes remains clear.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to the green pad.
- Place the black absorbent pad over the wet green pad.
- Place the laminated instructions over the black pad.
- Place the cocoon tray on top of the laminated instructions.
- Add the humidity gauge into the cocoon tray.
- Close the lid and place the box onto the heat mat.
- Allow the incubation box to warm up to a consistent 75 to 87°F.
- Ensure the humidity rises above 55%.
INCUBATING LEAFCUTTER COCOONS
Add Leafcutter Cocoons
- Place the Summer Leaf bee cocoons into the cocoon tray. Note: Summer Leaf bee cocoons are NOT waterproof.
- Ensure the humidity gauge is visible in the cocoon tray with the cocoons.
- Close the lid. The holes will provide sufficient air circulation.
Monitor Development
- Check the incubation box periodically for humidity levels and emerged bees.
- At 85°F (30°C), adults will emerge after approximately 21 days.
- At 70°F (21°C), adults will emerge after approximately 42 days.
- Maintain humidity between 55% and 75%.
Release Adult Bees
- Once adult Leafcutter bees start to emerge, release the cocoons.
MAINTENANCE & CARE
Weekly Checks
- Check at least once a week for humidity levels, emerged bees, or wasps.
- Remove the cocoon tray and gauge as needed.
- Rinse the green and black pads with warm water.
- Wipe away any mold that may develop on the box.
Watch for Parasitic Wasps
- Pteromalus parasitic wasps can emerge after about 9+ days and attack developing cocoons.
- Check for parasitic wasps and kill any that you find.
- Open the box inside the bee guard bag and gently shake the cocoons to ensure any wasps fly up and out inside the bee guard bag.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Ensure the incubation box is placed in a dark, warm location.
- Periodically check for emerged bees and release them promptly.
- Maintain the necessary humidity and temperature levels for optimal bee development.
By following these steps, you will provide a safe and effective environment for your Summer Leaf bees to thrive.