A bee house, often called a bee hotel, provides nesting cavities for solitary bee species, such as mason bees and leafcutter bees, which do not live in colonies like honeybees. These gentle insects do not create honey or wax and are unlikely to sting, focusing solely on provisioning their nests. The location of the bee house is the most important factor determining its success, as placement directly influences the bees’ ability to forage, reproduce, and survive. A poorly situated house may remain empty, while an optimally placed one can support a vibrant population of these effective pollinators.
Optimal Orientation and Sun Exposure
Solitary bees rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature and become active for foraging. The warmth of the sun is a key factor in their daily activity schedule and reproductive success. Placing the bee house to maximize morning sun exposure is essential for encouraging earlier emergence and activity. An orientation toward the southeast or south is considered the best position to capture the first rays of the day.
The morning sun quickly warms the nesting tubes, allowing the bees to reach the necessary flight temperature (around 55°F to 70°F) faster than if the house were shaded. Early foraging increases the hours available for collecting pollen and nectar, which directly impacts the number of offspring a female can provision. Direct sun exposure also helps keep the nesting materials dry, preventing the growth of mold or fungus that can harm developing larvae.
While maximizing morning sun is important, the structure also needs protection from harsh midday sun and heavy rain. Positioning the house under a roof overhang, a shed eave, or beneath a deck provides shelter from the elements. This prevents the nesting materials from becoming saturated during storms and avoids overheating the developing brood during the hottest parts of the day. A slight downward tilt of the house can also ensure that any moisture drains away from the nesting tubes.
Stability and Mounting Height Requirements
The physical mounting of the bee house requires careful attention to height and stability to ensure the bees feel secure and their larvae remain undisturbed. A recommended height range for mounting the structure is between five and seven feet off the ground. This elevation is high enough to deter ground-level predators like mice and skunks and prevents moisture from splashing up onto the nesting materials from the soil.
The house must be secured firmly to a stable surface, such as a sturdy fence post, a shed wall, or the side of a building. Swinging, swaying, or wobbling caused by wind can disorient the bees and potentially damage the pollen loaves and eggs inside the nesting cells. Mounting a bee house to a tree branch is discouraged, as the natural movement compromises the stability required for successful nesting. The fixed, stable position ensures that the bees have a reliable landmark to return to after foraging.
Proximity to Foraging Materials
Solitary bees have a smaller foraging range than honeybees, making the proximity of resources a major consideration for placement. Mason bees and leafcutter bees forage within a few hundred feet—less than 300 feet—of their nesting site. This limited range means that all necessary resources must be readily available nearby to reduce the energy expenditure required for provisioning their nests.
Three specific resources must be within this short flight distance: pollen and nectar sources, water, and nesting materials.
Resource Requirements
- Abundant flowering plants, particularly those native to the region, should be in bloom during the bees’ active season to provide food for their offspring.
- Mason bees, which use mud to seal their nesting cells, require a source of moist, clay-rich soil within about 150 feet of the house.
- Leafcutter bees, which use soft leaf pieces or flower petals to construct their nests, need appropriate plants, such as roses or hostas, close by for building materials.
- A shallow dish of water with stones or pebbles provides a safe drinking source, especially during dry periods, and should be located nearby.
Protecting the Structure from Threats
Strategic placement involves mitigating potential threats to ensure the safety and productivity of the solitary bee population. A bee house should be situated away from high-traffic areas where human or pet activity could cause frequent disturbances. Constant vibration or movement near the nest entrance can stress the female bees and discourage them from utilizing the cavities. Selecting a quiet corner of the garden or yard promotes successful colonization.
Placing the bee house far from any area treated with pesticides or herbicides is necessary for bee survival. Solitary bees are highly susceptible to these chemicals, which can be lethal if they come into contact with them or ingest contaminated pollen. Since they have a short foraging range, placing the house in a chemically-free zone ensures the food and nesting materials they collect are safe. If large birds, such as woodpeckers, are a problem, the house can be protected with a layer of hardware cloth or chicken wire placed a few inches in front of the nesting tubes. This barrier allows the bees to pass through easily but prevents predators from accessing the cocoons inside.