Wild bees are among the most beneficial insects in our garden. The burned silhouette with the name...Wild bees are among the most beneficial insects in our garden. The burned silhouette with the name in Latin says it all, this bee house is especially suitable for these hard-working insects. In the hollow bamboo tubes, a female bee can create multiple cells and lay her eggs.Dimensions: W16.9 x D12.2 x H22.9cmMaterial: Wood, Bamboo Sticks. This bee house WA38 from Esschert Design offers a perfect nesting accommodation to several species of bees. Constructed from untreated bamboo.
This Esschert Design WA38 Bee House is designed for gardeners looking to support beneficial wild bee populations. Its primary benefit is providing safe nesting sites for solitary bees, contributing to garden pollination. A key consideration is that it is specifically suited for wild bees and may not attract honeybees. The house features untreated bamboo tubes, a burned silhouette, and the Latin name of wild bees, offering a natural and attractive habitat.
All features
Colour
Multicolor
Model Part Number
WA38
Brand
Esschert Design
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What types of bees use this house?
This bee house is designed to attract solitary wild bees, such as mason bees and leafcutter bees, which are excellent pollinators and do not live in colonies.
Where is the best place to position the bee house?
Place it in a sunny, sheltered spot, at least 5-10 feet off the ground, facing south or southeast to catch the morning sun and avoid strong winds and rain.
Do I need to maintain the bamboo tubes?
No active maintenance is required. The untreated bamboo provides a natural nesting material. Avoid painting or varnishing the house.
When will bees start using the house?
Bees typically become active in spring. Usage depends on local weather conditions and the presence of established wild bee populations in your area.
Will honeybees use this bee house?
This house is specifically designed for solitary bees. Honeybees live in hives and have different nesting requirements, so they are unlikely to use this type of bee house.
How long will the bee house last?
Constructed from wood and bamboo, the bee house is designed for outdoor use and should last for several seasons, weathering naturally over time.
Can I paint or treat the wood?
It is not recommended to paint or treat the wood, as the chemicals can be harmful to bees and may deter them from nesting. The untreated wood provides a more natural habitat.
Troubleshooting
No bees are using the bee house.
Ensure the bee house is placed in a sunny, sheltered location away from direct, harsh winds. Verify that there are blooming plants nearby to provide food sources. Local wild bee populations and climate conditions can also influence usage.
The bamboo tubes appear damaged or broken.
Inspect the bamboo tubes for natural wear and tear. Minor cracks are usually not an issue for bees. If a tube is severely damaged, it can be carefully removed and replaced if a suitable replacement tube is available, ensuring it is untreated.
Insects other than bees are nesting.
While unlikely with this design, some other small insects might occasionally use the tubes. This is generally not harmful, as the primary goal is to support beneficial insects.
Provides specific, safe nesting for solitary bees.
Adds an attractive, educational feature to gardens.
Durable construction for outdoor use.
Cons
Primarily targets solitary wild bees, not honeybees.
Requires placement in a suitable, sheltered location.
Effectiveness may vary based on local bee populations and environment.
Untreated wood may weather over time.
Does not include any active feeding or watering mechanisms.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Choose a location that receives ample sunlight, ideally between 5-10 feet (1.5-3 meters) off the ground.
Mount the bee house securely to a wall, fence post, or tree using appropriate hardware (not included).
Ensure the entrance holes face away from prevailing winds and rain, ideally south or southeast.
Compatibility:
This bee house is specifically designed for solitary wild bees like mason bees, leafcutter bees, and others that nest in pre-existing cavities.
It is not intended for honeybees or bumblebees, which have different nesting requirements.
Care:
The bee house is made from untreated wood and bamboo, designed for natural weathering.
Avoid painting or varnishing the wood, as this can deter bees.
Minimal cleaning is required. At the end of the season (late autumn), you can gently clear out old nesting material if desired, though nature often takes care of this. Inspect for any signs of damage or pests at the beginning of each spring.