How to Build
-Bee Houses-
Bee houses (also called bee hotels) are artificial structures that provide shelter for native solitary bees. They are similar to bird houses, but made for bees! Below are direction for a DIY version, with dimensions that I have found to work especially well over the past few years.
DIY Bee House
#1 Supplies
#4 Round Edges
#3 Cut Pipe
#2 Measure Pipe
#5 Measure Straw
*OPTIONAL
Fold Some Straws
#7 Cut Other Straws
#6 Cut Template Straw
#8 Tape Straw Bundle
#9 Rubber Band Bundle
#10 Insert into Tube
#11 Put Cap on Tube
Mark a cutting line on the PVC pipe. In my experience, about
6 inches is a good length for a bee house. Feel free to try out different sized to see what works best for your region. It is important that the distance from the front edge of the house to the straws is at least 1/4 inch. Otherwise, rain can damage the straws. Also this distance should be no more than 1 inch, or the house will receive less light than most bees desire.
Materials:
PAPER straws (plastic straws will trap to much moisture), PVC pipe, cap fitted to pipe (preferably flat ended), masking tape, rubber band, large cable ties
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Tools:
saw, marker, ruler, scissors, deburring tool (optional)
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Safety: use safety goggles and tie back long hair
Cut the pipe along the line you marked in step #2.
If you have a deburring tool, consider rounding the edges of the cut PVC.
Cut the straw marked in step #5.
Use the straw from step #6 as a guide to cut the rest of your straws against. This way you can avoid having to measure each straw, and save yourself some time.
I have found that by folding shut the back end of some straws, houses can be more successful. If you choose to do this, be care not to damage the rest of the straw. Please note that this will decrease the length of the straw by roughly 1/8 inch.
Check that you've cut an amount of straws that allows for a snug fit in the PVC. Bundle the straws with two pieces of masking tape.
Add a rubber band to further secure the straw bundle. Be sure not to crush the center of the straws in this step.
You're nearly done! Place your straw bundle in the PVC.
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Consider decorating the outside of your bee house with waterproof markers. Think about using different colors and patterns. Take into mind how your bee house will appear to bees. Some research suggests suggests that bees are attracted to the color blue.
Push the cap onto the back end of your bee house. Be sure that all of the open ends of the straws are facing forward. Congratulations! Your bee house is complete.
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Find a sunny spot at least 3ft of the ground. Secure your bee house using cable ties, so that it is stable and cannot fall. Tree limbs and sturdy posts are often good locations.
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Post a picture of your DIY bee house and tag us!
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Consider the length of your PVC from step #2. I have found that a sweet spot for straw length is 5.5 inches. Some research has shown that straws under 4.5 inches might inhibit healthy egg sex-ratios, so avoid making houses that are too short.
Experimenting with Designs
For the past few years, I have tested different dimensions and types of bee houses. The design above proved successful and practical for my area. Of course, in different regions of the world slightly different measurements may be better suited for the local native bee species. Don't be afraid to experiment!