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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Wild Bee Education at Macon County Conservation District

Wild bee pollinating with pollen on its belly

The Macon County Conservation District invites visitors to explore more than 3,600 acres of nature, wildlife, and outdoor learning in Central Illinois. At Rock Springs Nature Center in Decatur, guests of all ages can experience nature programs, hikes, summer camps, music events, and hands-on activities throughout the year.

Whether walking trails, observing wildlife, or simply pausing to look closely at the plants and insects along the way, visitors can see how healthy ecosystems depend on pollinators like wild bees. Even small pockets of habitat, when connected together, help strengthen biodiversity and support rivers, forests, gardens, and prairies.

Discover Wild Bees Here

The bees in this house do not make honey or live in hives. They do not have a queen to protect and have little reason to sting. They are peaceful to observe, safe around families, school groups, and trails, and fascinating to watch as they belly flop from flower to flower.

There are over 20,000 bee species in the world, and more than 4,000 live in the United States. Most are wild bees that nest alone in hollow stems, abandoned tunnels, and bee houses like this one.

Why Wild Bees Matter

They pollinate more efficiently. Many wild bees collect pollen loosely on their bellies and brush against every part of the flower. Nearly every visit results in pollination.

They support native ecosystems. Wild bees help pollinate forests, gardens, prairies, wetlands, and restored habitats — supporting food crops, wildlife, and native plants.

They are resilient. Wild bees are not affected by many of the pests and diseases that challenge honeybees, making them valuable partners in nature and agriculture.

They are easy to host. Mason bees and Summer Leaf bees are gentle, easy to raise, and can increase pollination in gardens and community spaces.

Wild bees are active for only a few weeks each year. The rest of the time, they grow into larvae, spin cocoons, develop into adults, and hibernate until spring or summer.

Here is an example of the Mason bee lifecycle:

Bee lifecycle illustration showing stages from egg to cocoon to adult bee

You Can Help!

You will not get honey from wild bees, but you will enjoy healthier gardens, more flowers and fruit, and stronger ecosystems that support birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

Plant native flowers that bloom in different seasons to support bees all year.
Leave natural areas for nesting insects by mowing less and keeping stems, grasses, and leaf litter.
Avoid pesticides and herbicides that harm bees and reduce nesting habitat.
Use openable nesting tubes to keep bee houses healthy year after year.
Explore the Guide to Rewilding: Guide to Rewilding
See which bees live near you: Where the Wild Bees Are

Wild Bee Education at Macon County Conservation District

Discover Wild Bees Here

Why Wild Bees Matter

You Can Help!

We’re Here to Help