Instructions: Wood Trays

Instructions: Wood Trays

Wood Tray for Leafcutter bees (6mm)
Wood Trays for Mason bees (8mm)


Wood trays are a reusable nesting material that are the quickest to open to harvest cocoons.

Our wood trays are sourced locally and are banded together with UV resistant rubber bands for outdoor conditions. The cardboard backing on the rear of the trays provides a closed end to the nesting holes, which encourages female bees to nest. We burnish the front of the trays to remove splinters, provide a visual pattern for bees to find their nesting hole, and to help warm the bee house in the morning.

Wood trays are offered in two nesting hole sizes:

  • Spring mason bees prefer 8mm diameter nesting holes 
  • Summer leafcutter bees prefer 6mm diameter nesting holes 

Instructions:

Place the nesting tray as far back in the house as possible. Keep the Pest Blocker fabric and the protective cardboard backing attached to the nesting tray. The cardboard backing encourages bees to nest in the trays by giving them a nesting hole that is closed on one end. At the end of bee activity for the season, remove the nesting tray and store in a BeeGuard Bag until cocoon harvest. 

During cocoon harvest, use a stiff brush to remove pollen mites and debris and spot clean trays for chalkbrood infections with Clean Bee, a safe alternative to bleach. Store wood trays assembled with rubber bands to maintain tray shape.

Pest Blocker Fabric Instructions:

Place Pest Blocker along the backside of your reusable wood tray. Next, attach the cardboard backing with the green rubber bands ensuring there is no gap. Rinse and air dry as needed. Reusable. 

Dimensions of wood trays:

All tray sets are 5.25” wide and 6” deep.
  1. 48-hole Spring Mason Bee Tray: 3.25” high
  2. 96-hole Spring Mason Bee Tray: 6.25” high
  3. 78-hole Summer Leafcutter Bee Tray: 3.25” high
  4. 156-hole Summer Leafcutter Bee Tray: 6.25” high
For adding trays to your DIY bee house, allow an extra inch in width and height so that you can easily remove the trays.

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