Join us for a workshop on how to clean your mason bee houses that have been out for the growing season and how to harvest the cocoons of our native mason bees.

We will learn how to identify any pests and parasites that we encounter, how to clean the cocoons properly and scrub the house, leaving it ready for the spring. We will also learn how to store the cocoons safely over the winter, discuss any trouble shooting and how to release the bees again in spring.

October is an ideal time for cleaning as the mason bees are hibernating until the spring and are safe to harvest. It is very important that the houses are cleaned in the fall or they run the risk of becoming places of disease for the bees and unsafe for the spring cocoons.

You are welcome to bring your own mason bee house with you for hands-on cleaning instruction.

There is a $10 + GST charge for this workshop. Registration in advance is required as space is limited. Contact us to register. Payment can be given by credit card over the phone at time of registration, or visit us to pay in person. Please note we require payment to confirm registration. Dress warmly as this event will take place in an unheated greenhouse.