Mason Bee Nest Box with Tubes

Support red mason bees and other gentle solitary bees with this practical mason bee nest box. Supplied with 29 individual nesting tubes, it provides safe, sheltered spaces where female mason bees can lay their eggs and seal each chamber with mud.

Red mason bees are excellent pollinators of fruit trees, raspberries, early strawberries, flowers and spring blossom. They are docile by nature and, because they do not defend a hive, are safe to have around gardens, children and pets.

This mason bee nest box includes 29 nesting tubes, two sets of screws and wall plugs for mounting, plus full instructions for positioning your box and caring for the bees.

How mason bees use this nest box

Once a female mason bee has chosen a tube, she will return with pollen carried on the dense hairs underneath her body. She lays an egg inside the tube, adds a food supply of pollen and nectar, then seals the chamber with mud. A visible mud plug at the entrance usually shows that a tube has been completed.

Caring for occupied tubes

From late September, occupied tubes can be moved to an unheated shed, garage or outhouse to help protect developing bees over winter. Leave them undisturbed, then return them to the garden in early March before the new adults begin to emerge.

Where to place your mason bee nest box

Position the nest box in a sunny, sheltered spot, ideally facing south or south-east. Fix it securely to a wall, fence or tree, away from heavy rain and strong wind. For best results, place it near nectar-rich flowers, fruit trees or wildlife-friendly planting.

A simple and rewarding way to support pollinators, this mason bee nest box is ideal for UK gardens, patios and wildlife-friendly outdoor spaces.