Beekeeping > Other Pollinators

Mason Bees During Cold Snap

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The15thMember:
We are having extremely cold temperatures today, and I prepared my honey bees for the cold snap, but I forgot to think about my mason bees, who are starting to hatch.  I know over the winter the hibernating masons don't have any trouble with below freezing temperatures, but now that they are waking up, should I bring them in the house to continue hatching and then release them when it's warm again in a day or two?  It's going to be in the 20's F most of today and the low teens tonight.   

The15thMember:
In the absence of any opinions, I decided to hedge my bets, and I brought half of them in the house and put half of them in the garage.  So I guess we'll find out which was the right decision or if it makes any difference at all.  :-\

iddee:
Sorry, I know nothing about mason bees.

Bakersdozen:
I don't know anything about mason bees either.  Since they are native my instincts told me that the cold snap will slow them down.  For comparison, I have daffodils with buds showing.  We had snow and temperatures dip down into the single digits Saturday morning.  The cold will only slow the buds down, not kill them.

Now it is a science experiment.  :)  Keep us posted on the outcome.

The15thMember:

--- Quote from: Bakersdozen on March 13, 2022, 10:54:25 am ---I don't know anything about mason bees either.  Since they are native my instincts told me that the cold snap will slow them down.  For comparison, I have daffodils with buds showing.  We had snow and temperatures dip down into the single digits Saturday morning.  The cold will only slow the buds down, not kill them.

Now it is a science experiment.  :)  Keep us posted on the outcome.

--- End quote ---
That's probably an apt comparison.  I'll keep the two batches of bees separate and see if there is any significant difference in their hatch rates.  Many of the males have hatched already, and I guess this sort of situation is an example of why they hatch first.  If a few males get caught out in the cold, it's no big loss.  ;)

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