There are several reasons why people love the Mason Bee (also known as the Blue Orchard Bee or Osmia species). Here are a few of the reasons we write about in our book on maintaining and keeping mason bees:
Mason bees are excellent pollinators. They are incredibly efficient at transferring pollen from flower to flower, making them valuable contributors to the ecosystem. They can pollinate up to 100 times more flowers than honeybees. They are dedicated to ensuring their young have sufficient food through their lifecycle as a cocoon so will visit dozens of flowers to collect pollen on each trip.
Unlike honeybees, Mason bees are solitary bees, meaning they don't live in large colonies or produce honey. If you are seeking Honey as an offshoot of your hobby then you will need to look to the Honey bee.
They are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. You can provide them with suitable nesting sites, such as tubes or holes, and they will happily make their homes there.
Mason bees are generally docile and non-aggressive. They are unlikely to sting unless they feel threatened or trapped. This makes them safer to have around, especially if you have children or pets. They do not have a colony of bees to defend nor a queen to support, they are simply interested in laying eggs and feeding the larva.
Mason bees are among the first bees to emerge in early spring when flowering plants are just starting to bloom. They help kickstart the pollination process, ensuring a bountiful harvest for many fruit trees and plants.
By attracting and supporting Mason bees, you contribute to the overall biodiversity of your environment. Having a diverse range of pollinators is important for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and ensuring the reproduction of various plant species.
Keeping Mason bees can be a fascinating and educational experience, especially for children. Observing their lifecycle, learning about their behavior, and understanding their role in pollination can foster a greater appreciation for nature and the interconnectedness of species.
Finally, the love for Mason bees stems from their essential role as pollinators, their gentle nature, and their low-maintenance requirements, making them a beneficial and fascinating addition to any garden or ecosystem.
If you would like to learn more about these fascinating creatures you can find it all in our book, the Incredible Mason Bee (https://geni.us/masonbee), available at all good outlets.
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