This site is designed to enhance the experience of managing Mason Bees in the backyard. Some ideas are cosmetic, such as the shelters to contain the nests, others are ways to provide safer and more efficient ways for the Bee to provide a nest for her brood. An examination of the most common pests is important, and to explore possibilities of mitigating the damage they do.

The website and any goods or services I provide locally is strictly non-commercial. I do not sell or receive compensation for anything. I’d like to say its done to make a better world but in reality, it’s because its fun and fascinating. I do not have a scientific background in the study of bees but try to base any methods I use on the best of scientific studies. Links to these studies will be included when appropriate. When an idea is strictly mine, I will say so and a grain of salt can be added. I do have a background of 33 years in the meteorological service of Canada, which has some value in the management of Solitary bees. I’m also a fair to middling woodworker with a garage full of old but beautiful tools.

I supply houses, nests, Mason Bees and services to some local public gardens and schools for educational purposes. I also supply these to a few private gardens in order to obtain a supply of Mason Bee cocoons to continue the program and do amateur research in the area of fruit tree pollination and pest management. Depending on limited supplies, Leafcutter bees and nests may be added after the Mason Bee season has ended.

Jim Fishwick, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada