Unlike a conventional bug stack, a
solitary bee house should be built
off the ground in a place that will stay fairly dry all year. These bees lay
their eggs in holes in walls or wood and plug it up with food for the larvae
when they hatch. These bees come in a variety of sizes so different shaped holes
are important. The holes must be deep enough to prevent a skewed sex ratio of
males being born. Also consider mesh or adding a lip to the outer rim of the
house to discourage birds from eating the adult bees coming and going.
With the intention of encouraging as many species of bee as possible I did a bit of research on the optimum size and shape for these houses, since it appears many of the varieties you can buy in the garden centres are not deep enough. According to the papers published so far, holes in wooden blocks should be drilled at the correct depth to keep a healthy brood of young bees. Between 4 and 6mm diameter and 90mm depth is best for many species. Bamboo canes should be cut 170mm deep.
So here's the building process from start (October 2014) to finish (April 2015). As of today, ten nests have been constructed in the bee house :)
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