By joereal at 2008-03-21



By joereal at 2008-03-21


Oftentimes, when you roll the paper unto the rod, it is not perfectly aligned and will form a slight spiral. Simply push the paper with your thumb until it is aligned with the hole, and then push back with your index finger at the back, push back and forth several times and the paper roll will align nicely to your satisfaction. Just push with your thumb one last time for the final alignment.

By joereal at 2008-03-21

Here's how the block of wood appears when all the liners are in place.

By joereal at 2008-03-21

Place the block face down on a flat surface, with the liners protruding at the back of the block. Pinch the end of each liner to close them, and then bend each liner to one direction. It is important that you have liners coming out at the back so that it is easier to pull when you have something to hold to when you open it for cleaning in the future.

By joereal at 2008-03-21

Secure the end of the bent liners by screwing in place a piece of 3.5" x 3.5" plywood that is at least 1/4" thick. It is recommended that you pre-drill the screw holes with 1/16" drill bit to prevent wood splitting.

By joereal at 2008-03-21

Using a kitchen knife, carve out small notch along one edge of the block, placed at about 1/2" from each end.

By joereal at 2008-03-21

Place the eyelet screw on the couple of notches that you made.

By joereal at 2008-03-21


And here's the finished Mason Bee Housing, ready for occupancy.

By joereal at 2008-03-21

Here's a sample of the package that I got from fftulip, nice package, shipped to me professionally. Great thanks Fan! You can also buy Mason bees either as cocoons or in straws. If you got them in straws, I recommend that you open them, clean them up of other insects that may be hitchhiking and separate the cocoons. The best time to get the Mason Bee cocoons is during the winter season so that they can be shipped without hatching along the way. You can store them in the crisper bin of your fridge for as long as it takes you to build their houses, but don't forget them or they will die if left long enough, or when they hatch, there are no more flowers for them to feed on.

By joereal at 2008-03-21

Gently pick up each cocoon, clean them up if there are dirt or other insects.

By joereal at 2008-03-21

Then drop them unto the holes of the Mason Bee housing.

By joereal at 2008-03-21


If some cocoons get stuck, you can gently push them with an ear bud.

By joereal at 2008-03-21

Then plug lightly with cotton.

After loading the occupants, bring the Mason Bee Hose outside and find an overhang in the eastern side of the house. Use ladder to access the overhang. The corner is an ideal place because it has supporting timber that can be easily matched with dimensions of your Mason Bee Housing to hang to.



By joereal at 2008-03-21

Measure the center to center distance of the eyelet screws.



By joereal at 2008-03-21


Place a pair of hooks under the eaves of the roof, separated from each other by the same distance as between the two eyelets. That side of the house where part of the roof gets morning sun is an ideal location. Specifically, away from foot traffic if possible.

By joereal at 2008-03-21

Simply hang the Mason Bee Housing unto the hooks. You can remove this easily too.

By joereal at 2008-03-21

Tadah! The finished housing