What's happened to my Mason Bees this year?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Scorpio1968, Jul 12, 2012.

  1. Scorpio1968

    Scorpio1968 Gardener

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    There were loads of them swarming around the boxes in April / May and plenty of them were doing their stuff together on the ground. I took the pics below this morning as i noticed that hardly any of the holes have been sealed up. The middle box i've had for 5 years and the outer two about 2 years. It's as though they've simply "flown the nest". I wanted another three but Growing Success don't do them any more and i can't find them anywhere in stock on the interweb. Anyone else got similar situation with their Mason Bee boxes? Bees-1.jpg

    Bees-2.jpg
     
  2. Loofah

    Loofah Admin Staff Member

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    Almost defintely down to the exceptionally poor weather. I had lots knocking about earlier in the year too and they've all disappeared. Just hope they moved rather than died.
     
  3. Scorpio1968

    Scorpio1968 Gardener

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    Oh dear. Sad to say it's not just me then. I think there's about 10 holes sealed up for next year so i suppose they'll just repopulate in time
     
  4. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

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    The bees behind the shower have dissapeared too:sad:
     
  5. stephenprudence

    stephenprudence GC Weather Guru

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    Don't worry! Mason bees only appear in Spring, this is completely normal, they will be back next year on cue!
     
  6. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

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  7. Scorpio1968

    Scorpio1968 Gardener

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    Yes i suppose so but from year one all the holes in the boxes have been jam packed - and the keyhole in the shed door, anywhere there's a hole to lay eggs in fact.
     
  8. stephenprudence

    stephenprudence GC Weather Guru

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    Maybe they've moved on.. What if the queen has died and there are no more? You might get more from a different colony next year?

    Turns out that they don't have a queen... Ok that's quite strange then. I'm sure they will be back from somewhere next year
     
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