Australian Native Bee Hotels: Building and Positioning for Success

Which Bees Use Bee Hotels?Around 30% of Australia's 2,000 native bee species nest in pre-existing cavities. Key cavity-nesting species in Australian gardens include: blue-banded bees (also dig in soil); reed bees (Exoneura); leafcutter bees (Megachile); and resin bees that seal nests with plant resins.Building an Effective Bee HotelUse untreated hardwood (not pine, which rots quickly). Drill holes of varying diameters — 3mm, 5mm, 7mm, and 10mm — to a depth of at least 10cm (15cm is better). …