NOTE: I have updated this 2015 post in order to make it appear closer to the other mason bee information
I am now selling mason bee cocoons which you can order and then pick up from my farm in Metchosin British Columbia.
I raise my blue orchard bees in boxes like this, similar to a birdhouse without a front. The mud-filled tubes are complete, and they are still working on the open ones. The small compartment at the bottom, with a lid and hole in it, is for depositing a handful of cocoons into when I remove them from the refrigerator. This is done after their winter hibernation when I need pollinators for various fruit trees.
A section of 4 inch drain pipe can be used as a mason bee house also. A 5 cm. overhanging lip at the top keeps the water out. I also have a limited number of Phragmites reed tubes for mason bee homes . They average 6 inches in length and can be packed horizontally in any container as long as it is waterproof. Limited amount available at $5.00 per dozen.
See other postings here on Mason Bees :
Contact: garryf use the: “at sign” gmail dot com