North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["William C. Garthright" <billg@inebraska.com>]

> Where do I put the unhatched bees? In a small container next to the 
> new nest box? I don't have so many so can I/should I put the small box 
> of unhatched bees in the same litter pail I'm going to nail to the 
> machine shed wall for the straws?


Yes and yes. I don't think it matters too much. I just tie mine in a 
bunch under the nest box, but you can put them in a container nearby or 
in with the new tubes, if you want (make sure the correct end of the 
tube is facing out). They may re-use the old tubes, too. Apparently, 
they prefer that (though I'd think it would increase any parasite problems).

My bees didn't do too well this year, for some reason. I've had them out 
for a month, but the weather was cool, so they were very slow emerging. 
And many of the tubes are still showing no sign of live bees. I've had 
lots of trees blooming this year, but very few bees around.

PS. You might get leaf-cutter bees nesting in the tubes, too. I had a 
bunch of them take over tubes last year (you can tell because they plug 
the ends with bits of leaves, not mud). But they seem to be later 
nesters than the blue orchard or mason bees, not starting until the 
other bees are pretty well done for the season.

Bill
Lincoln, NE (zone 5)

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