Anybody here ever put out mason bee houses?

[Altarboy]

For those who don't know, they are a type of bee which is a very good pollenator and is very docile. They don't provide honey, but for a guy like me with a bunch of under-providing fruit and nut trees, they might be just the ticket. I have already ordered a house. I also plan to make a couple more.
I guess I am wondering if I have to order them. I see they are available online, but do I need to buy them if they are indigineous to Tennessee?

[sevlex]

I have an old tree stump with about 100 holes they use. The bat rastards still ignored my garden until I put in lavender and russian sage.

[number6]

Wife (an entomologist w/UF) says you can use cut bamboo. Says you can google the info about length, size of holes, etc. Much excellent info is located on .edu websites. Most have an entomology section where the bees are indigenous.

[Altarboy]

Yeah I've been studying up on it. I have some cane up on the back of my property. May go cut some today.

[Schuetzenman]

If they don't make honey, how do they survive when flower / growing season is over?

[Viking350]

If they don't make honey, how do they survive when flower / growing season is over?

They die at the end of that season.

http://www.gardeners.com/how-to/about-mason-bees/8198.html

[Schuetzenman]

They die at the end of that season.

http://www.gardeners.com/how-to/about-mason-bees/8198.html

Interesting read, thanks.

[Viking350]

Interesting read, thanks.

My pleasure, sir.

[Altarboy]

BTW, tomorrow afternoon I am releasing a batch of 1500 ladybugs. Supposed to be nice and warm the next few days.

[Altarboy]

http:// http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FRFM69G?cache=d275299cfdfc263a4b3db13243815442&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1414889402&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1