Our Bee House attracts bees

The title may seem a little obvious, but if you’ve ever wondered whether the various boxes sold as homes for wildlife really work, you are not alone. Such houses really need to recreate the spaces that animals naturally inhabit, and are especially likely to be occupied if their ideal homes are in short supply in nature. Put in the right place, at the right time, they stand a good chance of being occupied.

The BFD Bee House has been made to provide the kind of safe space that honey bees like to occupy and live in naturally. It simply replicates a hollow tree and provides a nesting space for them.

Linda bought a bee house in May this year. Just a few weeks later, she wrote to us:

“Thought you would like to have positive feedback on one of your houses. I bought one this year and installed it in May strictly following all your instructions. This morning my husband noticed a lot of activity and lo and behold it’s now occupied. I am excited beyond belief. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

We asked Linda for a little more information, to help others perhaps attract bees to their home as successfully – this was a quick occupation!

“I live in a little village rural setting in Rutland. We have been here three years and in that time I’ve managed the garden in a more wildlife friendly way, installing a pond, using no chemicals, planting pollinator friendly plants as much as possible. I also have, from last autumn, an allotment just across the road which I am planting up with bee friendly-plants and flowers begged, borrowed or stolen (not quite) from people I know to eliminate the chance that any bought plants have been treated with pesticides/herbicides.

There are quite a few people in the village who have the same mindset as myself, so I think forage for the bees is quite good. I know of a wild hive nearby which apparently has been there for years. Bees often swarm around here and we have masses of solitary bees, like mason bees all along the village walls.

Luckily I have a flat garage roof so have it there, on a construction to keep it steady but off the roof itself (see photo).

My friend in the village was also going to buy one of your houses and I think my success will galvanize her into action.
The bees are still there this morning, and I am still just as excited.”

You can order the BfD Bee House from our online shop.

Posted: 9th July 2019

This project is supported through funding from The Commonwealth Professional Fellowship programme, a UK government-funded programme to support mid-career professionals from low and middle income Commonwealth countries to spend time at a UK host organisation on a programme of professional development.