Mason Bees at the Library
It all started with our Mason Bee tree located on the Storyhouse balcony. Here are our favourite resources for learning about and managing these friendly backyard pollinators! We’ve included booklists, videos, and web resources.

- Last updated: February 26, 2021
on the web
These recommended websites are free and easily accessible! All you need is an internet connection.
This guide published by the Oregon State University Extension Service will teach you how to construct a house using either a block of wood or paper lined carboard tubes.
This simple video tutorial will show you how to unravel mason bee tubes, harvest the cocoons and wash them prior to storing them in a Spring release box or tray.
This short video created by bethinking.com discusses many interesting facts about solitary bees (mason and leafcutter bees), including their life cycles and how the differ from honeybees.
Resource guide compliled by UBC graduate student, Nicole Read.
For those interested in learning how commerical farmers are using mason bees to pollinate larger crops like blueberries and almonds, this YouTube video is an excellent resource.
Beautiful macro-photography accompanies this simple yet informative video about the mason bee's life cycle.
This article about the Library's Mason Bee Tree was published in Vol 8 (2016) Issue 3 of BCLA Perspectives.
Learn how to create your own bee house using recycled items you likely already have at home.