Bees sting, yes, but they do so much more. They are a crucial component of any healthy ecosystem, and you can do your part by putting up a bee house in your yard.

Swipe through to learn about bee houses.

Support Native Bee Populations

Adding a bee house to your yard helps sustain and strengthen populations of native solitary bees, which are highly effective pollinators for gardens, fruit trees and flowering plants. These bees are gentle, non-aggressive and seldom sting. By providing safe nesting space, you support biodiversity and contribute to conservation at a time when natural habitats are increasingly scarce.

Solitary vs. Hive Bees

Let’s back up just a minute… you might have questions. While we often think of bees as living in huge colonies and making honey and all that, not all bee species are like that. Some species, including mason bees, leafcutter bees and carpenter bees, live alone. The females of these species make nests in the ground, in wood, in plant stems or in a bee house you provide. Male solitary bees just buzz around eating and looking for ladies.

Supreme Pollinators

Solitary bees are essential for pollinating native plant species. They forage efficiently and transfer pollen with incredible precision. They visit a wide variety of blooms, often outperforming honeybees in pollination rates. Their activity supports plant reproduction, genetic diversity and healthy ecosystems. As many native plants rely on these bees, their presence helps sustain local wildlife, restore habitats and maintain resilient landscapes.

Correct Placement

Place your bee house in a sunny, southeast-facing spot that’s protected from the wind. Put it 3 to 6 feet off the ground, close to native plants and flowers. Place it on a sturdy, non-swaying surface like a post, fence or wall. If it’s mason bees you’re after, make sure there’s mud or clay nearby that they can use as nesting material.

Keep it Clean

When the queens are finished nesting for the season, clean the bee house. Inspect the tubes or reeds and replace them if necessary.

No Legal Issues

While honeybee hives are typically regulated and monitored for placement, density and maintenance, there are no such restrictions for installing bee houses for native solitary bees. You’re generally free to install them in your yard as you please. Just practice good stewardship by keeping them clean and in good condition.