The "Best" Bee For Fruit Trees

The "Best" Bee For Fruit Trees SPECIALTY/SERVICES Specialty/Services 27-4-10 Mason Orchard Bees are found throughout North America but they're more abundant in some areas than others. Researchers say they're better pollinators than honey bees for fruit trees and berries because they become active earlier in the season and they have hairier bodies that carry more pollen. They're also very docile and hardly ever sting unless severely provoked. Researchers say you can boost Mason populations by supplying nest holes for them. One way to do so is to drill holes 4 to 6 in. deep and 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter in a pine or fir 4 by 4 using a brad-point for a smooth hole. You can also use containers filled with large drinking straws folded in half. The nests should be positioned for morning sunlight with some protection from rain. Another nest alternative is to buy an orchard bee house from Kinsman Co., Pipersville, Penn. Kinsman imports nesting kits from the Oxford Bee Co. in England. Small kits contain 32 nesting tubes for $11.95, while the large Orchard Bee nest box contains 105 tubes for $31.95. USDA researchers have found that the Orchard Bees prefer the smooth 6-in. paper lined tubes to holes drilled in wood blocks. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Kinsman Company M.O., Box 428, Pipersville, Penn. 18947 (ph 800 733-4129; email: Kinsco@kinsmangarden.com; website: www.kinsmangarden.com).

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