How do I build bee hotels for native bees?

Building bee hotels is a wonderful way to support New Brunswick's native pollinators, and it's a perfect DIY project that benefits both your garden and local ecosystems. Native bees are excellent pollinators for fruit trees, vegetables, and wildflowers, and unlike honeybees, they rarely sting and don't swarm.

Materials and Construction

The simplest bee hotel uses natural materials you might already have. Start with a wooden frame or repurpose an old wooden box, birdhouse, or even a large tin can. The key is creating tubes of varying diameters (6-10mm) where solitary bees can lay their eggs. Bamboo canes work perfectly — cut them into 6-8 inch lengths, ensuring cuts are smooth and splinter-free. You can also drill holes of different sizes (6mm, 8mm, 10mm) into untreated hardwood blocks, drilling about 5-6 inches deep but not completely through.

Paper straws, hollow plant stems (like elderberry or sumac), and even bundled twigs work well. Avoid treated lumber, as chemicals can harm bees. Pack your tubes tightly together in your frame, with openings facing slightly downward to prevent rain from entering. A small roof or overhang helps protect the entrance holes.

Placement and Timing in New Brunswick

Install your bee hotel in early spring (late April to early May) when native bees become active. Choose a location that gets morning sun but some afternoon shade — a south or southeast-facing spot works well. Mount it 3-6 feet off the ground on a fence, shed wall, or sturdy post. Ensure it's sheltered from strong Maritime winds but still gets good air circulation.

In New Brunswick's climate, position the hotel where it won't get completely soaked during our frequent spring rains, but don't make it too dry either. Native bees need some moisture for their developing larvae. The location should be near flowering plants — native wildflowers, fruit trees, or even your vegetable garden work perfectly.

Maintenance and Seasonal Care

Replace or clean tubes annually in late fall or early spring before bee activity resumes. Old tubes can harbor parasites or diseases. If using bamboo or drilled wood blocks, you can clean them with a bottle brush and mild soap, then let them dry completely. Many beekeepers recommend having removable tubes or blocks to make cleaning easier.

During New Brunswick's harsh winters, your bee hotel will be fine outdoors — the developing bees are designed to overwinter in their cocoons. However, if your hotel is in an extremely exposed location, you might add a windbreak or move it to a more sheltered spot for winter.

Supporting Your Local Ecosystem

Plant native flowers nearby to provide food sources throughout the growing season. Wild bergamot, black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, and native asters bloom at different times, providing nectar from June through September. Even common dandelions are valuable early-season food for emerging bees.

This is definitely a DIY project most homeowners can tackle in a weekend. However, if you're planning a larger pollinator garden or need help with plant selection for your specific area in New Brunswick, a local landscaper can help design a comprehensive pollinator habitat that works with your property's conditions and New Brunswick's growing zones.