Hatching the cocoons. The cocoons are taken out of the fridge when the outside temperate reaches about 55 degrees (13C) in early spring . If you want them to pollinate a certain plant or tree, put them out when the flowers are just beginning to open. The cocoons can be placed in a box, bottle etc. in or near your Mason Bee home. The aim is to protect them from predators and the elements until the bee emerges from its cocoon. Suppliers often ship them in a small box (matchbox) which can have its end opened to allow them to escape. A better way is to transfer them to a small bottle with a 3/8 inch opening in the lid to allow the bee out. In the example a salt shaker bottle (3 for $1) from a dollar store is used, or a 2 oz. liquor bottle or drug canister. Any of these can be attached with velcro to prevent them from moving around. Remove the hatching vehicle once all the bees have emerged. The examples shown can be attached to the outside of the Mason Bee home with velcro if necessary.

One of the examples shown utilizes corrugated plastic to form a box to house the bottle. This can be efficient when using cube nesting trays in your Mason Bee house.