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Building a Bee Hotel

Many bee species don't live in large hives. Solitary bees, like mason bees and leafcutter bees, are gentle, excellent pollinators that look for small tunnels to lay their eggs. By building a simple "bee hotel," you can provide a safe home for them and boost the pollination in your garden.

A simple wooden bee hotel filled with hollow tubes, hanging on a fence.

What You'll Need​

The goal is to create a bundle of hollow tubes. You can get creative!

  • Frame (Optional): A small wooden box, an old birdhouse, or even a large, clean tin can.
  • Tubes: Hollow bamboo canes, paper straws, or holes drilled into a block of untreated wood.
  • Tools: A saw to cut the tubes and some string or wire for hanging.

Step 1: Prepare Your Tubes​

The most important part is the size of the holes. Different bees prefer different diameters.

  • Diameter: Create holes ranging from 2mm to 10mm wide to attract a variety of species.
  • Depth: The tubes should be at least 15cm (6 inches) deep.
  • Smoothness: Make sure the entrances to the holes are smooth and free of splinters.
  • Closed End: The back of the tubes must be sealed. Bees will not use a tunnel that is open at both ends.

Step 2: Assemble Your Hotel​

If you're using a frame, cut your tubes or drilled block of wood to fit snugly inside. Pack them in tightly so they don't move around. If you are just using a bundle of bamboo, tie them together securely with string.

Step 3: Find the Perfect Location​

Where you place your bee hotel is crucial for its success.

  • Sunlight: The hotel should face the morning sun (south or southeast) to warm the bees up.
  • Protection: Place it in a spot that is sheltered from heavy rain.
  • Height: A height of about 1 to 1.5 meters (3-5 feet) off the ground is ideal.
  • Stability: Make sure the hotel is securely fixed and won't swing around in the wind.

Step 4: Be Patient​

It may take some time for bees to find your new hotel. You'll know it's occupied when you see the ends of the tubes plugged with mud or leaves. This means a female bee has laid her eggs and sealed the entrance. The new bees will emerge the following spring to pollinate your garden.