Solitary bee dispersal

Will my solitary bees disperse or fly off?

When bees emerge they can either return to nest or fly away in search of a new nesting site, this is called dispersal.

Summer leafcutter bees are more likely to disperse and we sell a higher quantity of leafcutter cocoons in order to increase your chances of leafcutter bees returning to nest. Leafcutter bees will not nest if they can't find a source of leaves nearby. Plant pea, bean, strawberry, rose, hosta, or lilac near the bee house.

Ensuring a supply of moist clayey mud will reduce dispersal of spring mason bees. Moist clayey mud on the sidewall of a hole seems to be preferred by the bees.

To reduce the bee dispersal rate, avoid lawn care chemicals and provide a plenty of blooms near the bee house. A nearby upwind neighbor who sprays lawn chemicals may impact your nesting bees.

In addition, releasing bee cocoons in the morning or evening lessens the chance of dispersal.

See our Bee Friendly Garden page for more tips.

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