Did you know that bees are responsible for pollinating about one-third of the world’s crops? They’re an essential part of the ecosystem, and they’re in trouble. Bee populations have been declining in recent years due to factors like pesticide use, monoculture crops, and loss of habitat.
You can help! One way to do that is by building a bee house. A bee house provides a safe place for bees to nest and raise their young. It’s a great way to support local pollinators and promote biodiversity in your own backyard.
Location, location, location
Choose a location for your bee house. It should be close to where bees already fly, like near a garden or flower bed. The entrance hole should face east or south so it gets morning sun.
Holes
Drill or cut holes into your wood block or log. The holes should be about 6mm in diameter and spaced about 1cm apart. If you’re using a block, make sure the holes go all the way through so bees can enter from the top or bottom.
Ventilation and insulation
To provide ventilation and insulation, drill a few bigger holes (about 0.4 of an inch in diameter) into the top or sides of your bee house.
Make it smooth
Make sure there are no sharp edges inside the bee house where baby bees could get hurt. You can smooth these down with sandpaper before you put the house out.
Hanging the bee house
Hang or mount your bee house in your chosen location and wait for bees to move in. Be patient—it might take a few months before they find it.
Conclusion
Providing a safe place for bees to nest is a great way to support local pollinators and promote biodiversity in your own backyard. By following these simple steps, you can build your very own bee house that will provide a much-needed home for our fuzzy friends.