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 Bethpage State Park

Crown Bees Villa Bee House at Bethpage State Park

The Bethpage State Park is one of Long Island’s most significant green spaces, offering freshwater ponds, pollinator gardens, meadows, woodlands, and natural roughs.

These habitats support native biodiversity and provide a living classroom where students, scouts, families, gardeners, and nature lovers learn about pollinators, wildlife, and the ecosystems we all depend.

Discover Wild Bees Here

These bees don’t make honey or live in hives. They don’t have a queen to defend and rarely sting. Instead, wild bees are quiet, gentle neighbors—easy to observe, safe around families 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 solitary bees that nest in hollow stems, abandoned tunnels, and bee houses like this one.

Raising Wild Bees Is Easier Than You Think

Most wild bees don’t make honey or live in hives—and they don’t require protective gear or special equipment. All they need are safe nesting spaces, blooming flowers, and chemical-free habitat.

That makes them perfect for school gardens, backyard habitats, community programs, STEM projects, and nature centers.

Fun fact: One Mason bee can pollinate as many flowers as 100 honey bees!

How to Get Started Today

Why Wild Bees Matter

They pollinate more efficiently. Many wild bees carry pollen on their bellies and brush every part of the flower—almost every visit results in pollination.

They support healthy landscapes. Wild bees help pollinate native flowers, gardens, farms, forests, and meadows—supporting food crops and habitats for birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

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

Here’s a look at the Mason bee lifecycle:

You Can Help!

You won’t get honey, but you will help your community enjoy healthier gardens, stronger food crops, and thriving ecosystems.

Plant native flowers that bloom across the seasons.
Leave natural nesting areas like stems, grasses, and leaf litter.
Avoid pesticides and herbicides that harm bees.
Use openable nesting materials to keep bee houses reusable and healthy.
See which bees live near you: Where the Wild Bees Are

Support Wild Bees with Purpose-Built Habitats

Purpose-built bee houses provide long-term habitat for wild bees while supporting observation, education, and conservation in schools, parks, community spaces, and homes.

Rewild Refuge Bee House

A durable habitat for schools, parks, nature centers, and community gardens—designed for visibility, learning, and long-term stewardship. Shop Rewild Refuge here.

DIY Build a Bee House

Ideal for classroom projects, STEM learning, and family exploration. Build, place, observe, and support wild bees. Shop DIY Bee House here.

Check Out All Bee Houses

Learn with Our Programs & Partners

We proudly work with educators, scientists, and conservation leaders across the country to bring bee education to classrooms, parks, and communities:

Planet Bee Foundation — Engaging students with hands-on science and pollinator education.
Mason Bee Edu — Bee biology, identification, and student-led research for high school learners.
Crown Bees iNaturalist Project — Join thousands of citizen scientists documenting wild bee sightings.

Explore all of our Friends & Partners and ongoing Programs.

We’re Here to Help You BEE Successful

Getting Started Guide
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If you have direct questions, email info@crownbees.com