Where are mason bees native to?

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Jim,

  I'm not sure that mason bees are native here.  How far south do they live?

                                                ~Jerry, Arkansas

Jerry,

  Mason bees are native to most of the lower 48 states. There are also a number of other beneficial solitary bees that will use the same nest blocks.  I encourage people to try to raise the local bees that are already adapted to their climate conditions rather than order cocoons that were raised in a different climate zone.  For example, it is possible that our local bees would require more chilling in order to break dormancy than would bees that are adapted to your climate in Arkansas.

  I would bet that you would have bees move in if you put up some nest blocks. We have a book and a DVD that both explain how to manage the mason bees using the system of stackable trays that we sell. I like them much better than the homemade blocks I used in the past.  I feel that the educational materials that teach you how to manage the bees are a better investment than buying cocoons which you may not need.

                                                     ~Jim