The practice of placing a structure to attract bees, often called a “bee box,” supports local pollinator populations and encourages natural pest control. These structures provide much-needed habitat where natural nesting sites are scarce, whether the goal is to observe communal honeybees or support solitary native species. Attracting bees involves creating an environment that closely mimics the specific natural cavity or nest the target species seeks. Success depends on understanding the behavioral differences between the two main categories of bee boxes and tailoring the approach to each.
Identifying Your Bee Box Type
The term “bee box” refers to two different structures: the swarm trap and the solitary bee hotel. Swarm traps are designed to capture a reproductive cluster of honeybees, which are social insects living in large colonies. These traps are temporary, pre-sized homes meant to house a migrating honeybee swarm until they can be transferred to a permanent hive. Conversely, solitary bee hotels attract native, cavity-nesting bees like mason bees and leafcutter bees. These bees do not form colonies but use individual tunnels to lay eggs and provision their offspring. The solitary bee hotel design uses a bundle of tubes or drilled holes, each serving as a self-contained nest for a single female bee.
Strategic Placement and Environment
Appropriate placement determines whether a bee box will be occupied. Honeybee scout bees look for a cavity offering protection from predators and the elements. They often prefer a location 12 to 15 feet off the ground for optimal visibility and safety. The internal volume of the swarm trap is also important, with honeybees preferring a cavity between 40 and 60 liters.
For solitary bee hotels, the requirements differ, as these bees seek a ground-level or easily accessible nesting site. Placement should be in a sunny location, ideally facing south or southeast to capture the warmth of the morning sun. This sun exposure helps the bees warm up quickly for foraging and prevents moisture build-up within the nesting tubes. The structure must also be firmly mounted to prevent swinging in the wind, as solitary bees are not adept at landing on unstable surfaces. A location near abundant pollen and nectar sources is beneficial for both types of boxes.
Utilizing Specific Lures and Scents
The internal preparation of the box and the use of chemical attractants are crucial for signaling suitability to scout bees. For a swarm trap, the most effective lure mimics the Nasonov pheromone, which honeybees use to orient themselves to a new home. Lemongrass essential oil is often used because it contains compounds that closely resemble this natural pheromone. A small amount of the oil can be applied to a slow-release applicator inside the box, or a commercially prepared pheromone lure can be used. Adding old, dark honeycomb provides a strong, attractive scent of beeswax and propolis, suggesting the cavity is a legitimate nesting site.
Solitary bee hotels rely on materials and visual cues, rather than pheromones, to attract tenants. Providing nesting tubes with a variety of diameters, typically ranging from 2 to 12 millimeters, will appeal to different species of native bees. Tubes should be about 15 centimeters long and closed at one end. Using partially filled or used tubes from a previous season can signal to new females that the site is safe and viable for nesting.
Monitoring and Post-Attraction Care
Deploy any bee box early in the spring, just before the honeybee swarming season or the emergence of native solitary bees. This timing maximizes the chance of occupation when bees are actively seeking new nesting sites. Swarm traps should be checked weekly for signs of scout bee activity or a settled swarm, which can then be safely transferred to a permanent hive.
For solitary bee hotels, successful attraction is indicated by female bees flying into the tubes with materials like mud or leaf pieces to cap the entrance. Once capped, the tubes contain developing offspring and should be left undisturbed throughout the season. Proper post-attraction care involves moving the capped tubes to a cool, dry, and protected location, such as a shed, during the winter months. This protects the larvae from harsh weather and parasites. The following spring, the tubes are returned to the hotel so the new adult bees can emerge and begin the cycle again.