According to the bee experts, and there's no lack of advice on the Internet, Mason Bees prefer a sunny, warm, dry location, 6-7 feet above the ground, preferably under the eves of a house or shed.
That's a pretty tall order in Seattle. But after much discussion, we finally settled on the east facing side of the house, where at least we can see them, if and when they show up. John put the box up on Saturday--better a couple of weeks too soon, than too late.
Only time will tell. This high wall gets some mild sun for a short time in the morning, and stays dry even in downpours, so it's the best we can do. I sprayed the front of the (expensive) condo with some (expensive) Mason Bee attractant from Amazon. When it warms up, I'm supposed to put Nancy's cocoons out to hatch on a nearby "ledge." Up the ladder again. Goodness, quite a to-do for such a little creature.
Some of you might question the wisdom of placing a bee house above the back door! But Mason Bees are not much bigger than houseflies, and harmless to humans and animals. (You have to try pretty hard to get them to sting.)
Unlike other bees, wasps and hornets that can swarm dangerously, Mason bees live solitary lives for one short busy season. The only purpose of the condo is to give these master pollinators a place to reproduce and store their cocoons for the winter. And that's another story.
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