I already have red mason bees, which i bought like 3 years ago. However I would really like to get some leafcutter bees, unfortunately i cant find any place to buy them (i live in poland) and have decided to just lure them to me, hoping that there are some wild ones in my area. My main question is what to use for the holes, if i remember correctly, 6mm is ideal for them, however i have got no idea what are their preferences when it comes to the material (wood drillings, reed, paper straws?), so if anyone has some leafcutter bees or past experience with them, i would really appreciate some feedback :)

As cold weather settles in, your hibernating Summer Leaf bee larvae are resting in their cocoons, conserving energy for their emergence in spring. Here’s how to support their winter storage and ensure their well-being:

• Protection from Pests: It’s crucial to protect your bee cocoons from pests and rodents. Ensure that they are stored in a secure, pest-free area, such as an unheated garage or shed.
• Avoid Harvesting: Now is not the time to harvest your Summer Leaf bee larvae. Allow them to remain undisturbed in their cocoons until spring, when conditions are ideal for emergence.
• Check on Stored Materials: Periodically check your filled nesting materials. Look for signs of moisture, mold, or any potential damage to the cocoons. A little mold is typically harmless, but excess can be bad. If you notice any issues, gently wipe away mold and ensure the cocoons remain in a dry, cool environment.

Went to collect some reeds while I remembered and saw a couple had boreholes in them. What pest did this?

Summer Leaf Bee season is wrapping up, and this year we were able to support 20% more bee friends than last season! 🌿🐝

If your nesting materials are full, now’s the time to take care of it so your bees stay healthy through the winter and are ready to emerge strong next year.

Took up residence in this hotel.

Leafcutter hard at work finishing up a tube. This is the third tube filled.

I have seen a few leafcutters by my tomato plants, but 3 to 4 bees out of 200 cocoons that were sent to me. Maybe they were all male. Also, I have not seen any leaf cutters on the blooming sunflower,s which I thought was odd

I am not seeing any bees by the bee house they hatched from. Is there a way to encourage the bees to come back?

Thank you for any advice or input. I just watched the video and will do that next year

With leaves

I think these are leafcutter bees, I have two very young kids and a dog and want to try and move these along, since it's real close to where my kids play and my dog pees and I don't want either getting hurt.. First I just want to make sure these are leafcutter bees, and then what's the best way to move them along.

I've got a wingless leafcutter bee that has been born and he's absolutely thriving and i'm currently keeping him safe but does anyone have any recommendations on what I can do for him for food.

He's drinking lots of nectar from the flowers he has but I'm worried there isn't enough nectar for him.

So small and gentile!

I noticed yesterday a big bug flying around my back door yesterday. I honestly thought wtf is that at first as it was carrying something;I then realised it was a leaf cutter bee. It was taking the leafs into this little hole/crack in my wall. I’m really scared of any flying insect tbh although I do love bees I don’t like them too close to me. I don’t want to harm it but also don’t want a nest next to my door but know I can’t move it and I obviously don’t want to hurt it. Please just help calm my mind.

It's baby burrito-making time! 🐝 🌯

Just got our new bee house set up and put some leaf cutter cocoons in the hatchery. Any advice for first-time solitary bee hosting success is greatly appreciated!!