Native bees are some of our most important pollinators, but habitat loss has made it harder for them to find safe places to nest. Adding a bee house to your yard might seem like a great way to help—but did you know that many store-bought bee houses can actually put bees at risk? Poor design and lack of maintenance can lead to pests, mold, and disease, making life harder for the very pollinators we want to support.
Understanding the best practices for constructing, placing, and maintaining a bee house can make a meaningful difference for local pollinators.
Designing a Bee House That Works
Not all bee houses are beneficial, and choosing the right design is essential. The best bee houses mimic natural nesting sites and use appropriate materials to create a safe, dry, and functional habitat.
First, consider the material. Untreated wood is ideal, as it provides insulation without trapping moisture. Nesting tubes should be smooth and removable, ideally made from paper or drilled wooden blocks. Bamboo and plastic may seem like convenient alternatives, but they often retain moisture, promoting mold and fungal growth.
Size and depth also matter. Nesting holes should range between 3/32 and 3/8 inches wide and 4 to 6 inches deep to accommodate different species. Shallow or oversized holes may go unused or expose larvae to predators.
Placement Matters: Where and How to Mount a Bee House
Once a bee house is built, proper placement is key to its success. Bees prefer warm, dry environments, so the house should be installed in a sunny location, ideally facing east or southeast to catch the morning sun. It should be mounted securely 3 to 6 feet off the ground, with an overhang or slight tilt to keep rain from pooling inside.
Stability is another important factor. A bee house that swings in the wind or shifts in place can deter bees from nesting, so attaching it firmly to a post, fence, or wall will improve its effectiveness.
The Overlooked Step: Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the biggest mistakes people make with bee houses is neglecting maintenance. A dirty or overcrowded bee house can harbor pests and diseases, potentially harming local bee populations instead of supporting them.
Several pathogens and parasites threaten native bees, including:
- Chalkbrood – A fungal infection that kills bee larvae, often spreading in damp conditions.
- Parasitic wasps and mites – Tiny predators that invade nests, preying on eggs and larvae.
- Bacterial infections – Can develop in uncleaned nesting materials, creating unsafe conditions for future generations of bees.
To reduce these risks, nesting tubes should be replaced annually, or paper liners can be used for easier maintenance. If reusing wooden blocks, they should be cleaned with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water), thoroughly rinsed, and allowed to dry before reinstallation. Nesting materials should also be stored in a dry, ventilated space over the winter to prevent mold and infestations.
Additional Ways to Support Native Bees
A well-maintained bee house is just one step in helping native pollinators. Other ways to support bees include:
- Planting native flowers to provide a reliable source of nectar and pollen.
- Leaving patches of bare soil for ground-nesting bees, which make up the majority of native bee species.
- Avoiding pesticide use, particularly during blooming periods when bees are most active.
By making small changes, you can create a welcoming space for pollinators and help protect these essential creatures.
Text by Kristen O’Hara
