If you have been paying attention
to the news lately, there is an epidemic hitting our honey bee
population. Chemical, biological, forgetful or whatever the cause,
beehives are turning up empty all over the country. Empty hives often
mean empty fields if no bees are there to pollinate the crops.
Luckily, wild bee species
will step in to do some of the pollinating for us. One of the more
optimistic looking bee populations is the Blue Orchard Mason bees. A
solitary bee with no true hive and a rosy disposition, they are supposed to
pretty safe and kid friendly. Give them a corner of the yard where
their home won't get knocked or jostled, and they'll be fairly happy.
As a gardener of Scottish
descent, I am loathe to waste my money on a kit or on lumber to make a
lavish home. They are bees and don't care whether the hive matches my
fence or my shutters. No, instead I am frugal enough to reuse
materials to create bee condos.
The materials are enough to
make McGyver proud: String (optional), glue/paste (cheap), newspaper,
and used tin cans (rinsed). The tools: a knife or scissors, ruler,
and a 3/8" (9.5 mm) dowel or pencil at least as long as your can.
Step 1: Measure the paper to the length of your dowel or pencil and then cut or tear into strips.
Step 2: Wrap the newspaper around the dowel until you think it is thick enough and trim the extra paper. Use glue or string (we used glue) to secure the roll and slip out the dowel.
Step 3: Continue cutting and rolling until you have filled the can. Don't worry if your paper straws are too long, that will be fixed shortly.
Step 4: Once you have a fairly compacted honeycomb shape, you'll know you're done.
Step 5: Remove all of the paper rolls and crimp the ends to the appropriate length (just a little shorter than your can). If you would prefer, you can cut them.
Step 6: Refill the can, crimped edges first.
Step 7: Decorate if you would like and place outside where the wild bees can fill their nests. Connect several together or place separately.
