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.

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Bee Raising Basics

How Nesting Materials Affect Mason & Summer Leaf Bee Health

Bee-safe nesting materials for Mason and Summer Leaf bees

Nesting materials do more than give bees a place to lay eggs. Tube diameter, cavity length, breathability, and whether the nest can be opened all influence survival rates, how many females emerge, and the long-term health of future generations.

Choosing the right materials helps protect developing bees from pests and disease while supporting healthier pollination year after year.

Browse Bee-Safe Nesting Materials Materials to Avoid

Quick Summary

Bee-safe nesting materials are sealed at one end, breathable, thick-walled, and easy to open for harvesting. Mason bees prefer ~8mm cavities, Summer Leaf bees prefer ~6mm cavities, and nesting materials around 6 inches long help produce more females and healthier bees.

What “Bee-Safe” Nesting Materials Really Means

Cavity-nesting solitary bees naturally nest in hollow or pithy plant stems or existing insect holes. Well-designed artificial nesting materials can safely replicate these conditions when built correctly.

Reusable wood nesting tray for Mason bees

Reusable wood trays open for safe cocoon harvesting.

Openable wood tray nesting material example

Openable designs help reduce pests and disease year to year.

Natural reed nesting materials with sealed end nodes

Natural reeds have sealed end nodes that help block pests.

Nesting materials should be sealed at one end, breathable, thick-walled, and easy to open. These features help protect developing bees from excessive mold, chalkbrood, parasitic wasps, and pollen mites.

Avoid bamboo, plastic straws, and drilled wood blocks without paper inserts. These materials are difficult to open and allow pests and disease to spread quickly. Learn more on our harmful nesting materials page.

Tube Diameter and Length: Small Details, Big Outcomes

Diameter guides which bees move in

Each species has a preferred nesting diameter. Providing the correct size improves nesting activity and overall success. See our preferred nesting diameter guide.

Length influences female production

Nesting materials around 6 inches long support higher female ratios. Shorter cavities often result in more males and fewer offspring.

Mason Bees: ~8mm
Summer Leaf Bees: ~6mm
Wild Bees: mixed sizes encourage diversity

Breathability and Moisture Control

Breathable materials allow moisture to escape, reducing mold and improving cocoon survival. This is a key advantage of paper and reed-based nesting materials.

Watch: Nesting Materials and Seasonal Care

This video walks through nesting materials and how seasonal care supports healthier bees year after year.