what size are the holes and how deep ?

the only thing I would suggest next time you drill go in at a slight angle as it helps the water drain away when it rains

looks great

Gg

Thanks. Cannot remember exactly, I guess the holes are approx 8-10mm. Would they need to be bigger?

You know that's a good idea Mike think ill try this tomorrow I take I could google the right sizes etc?

hi

between between 2mm and 10mm diameter so yours is fine they also need to be sanded down as well, so no splinters, damages the wings as they go in and out of the tunnel, plus important needs something on the top (mini roof) to keep it dry over winter

(old wood is ideal as it contains no preservatives )

you can do various size of depth they will still use them.

Most people dont realise that they are best being replaced every couple of years so your idea is great as the bought ones ££ after a couple of seasons harbor dead larvae due to fungus/moulds, and the spread of parasites which will affect the new ones the following year using it.

If you get a photo of the bee I will tell you which ones you have

Gg

Hi Gnarly would it be ok to use a painted post I have a spare black post 6ft by 3"by3" could be cut into section, sorry to hijack your post Mike.

Gg if you look closely at my photograph (zoom in if you can) you can just make out a bee...maybe you can make out which type it is?...I will make a roof for it. They were made from an old bit of fence post, and just planed/sanded. I will make a mk11 version. Hopefully bring in solitary bees to help with pollination around garden. I guess they are nesting behind the 'wax filled' holes?

Hi Both

sorry can not zoom in .... looking forward to mk11 version

what type of paint ? as you dont want any chemicals that may have seeped in , but would be ideal if over 12 months old and has been left out ? also a sunny spot , but put the holes in at a slight angle and a roof will work a treat I have a beehouse in the greenhouse and they also use the pots on the shelves and burrow through the holes in the bottom to make the cigar shaped nest.... the windows are open all the time now so they come and go as they please.
I have also crammed a pot with bamboo which they like as well..

Gg, I will try and take a closeup of the bee(s) so you can maybe identity it...

at the ready

Just updated original post. The 3 mason bee images are there.

you were right the 1st Time

Mason bee is a common name for species of bees in the genus Osmia, of the family Megachilidae.

Great photos

Gg