Californica Bee Facts

There are 2 essential items for prime Californica Bee habitat, 1. nesting place, and 2. pollen source. They will only remain in an area if they have a proper habitat.

Best nesting place for Californica Bees are in reed tubes; To read more on choosing nesting materials click here.
They require a pollen source such as balsam root, various fruits, vegetables and some melons.

Californica Bees used soil to separate their eggs and seal of their tubes. They do not require clay like Mason Bees. They will use whatever soil is available.

When honey bees are pollinating you can see huge swarms of bees around the tree. Californica Bees are more efficient than honey bees so there are less of them to pollinate the same tree so it is harder to spot the pollination. Some signs that show your bees are working include: new tubes being filled with soil, activity around the bee house, spotting bees on the blossoms, or flying around (though they are harder to spot), and the bigger and better tasting fruits at the end of the season.

If you feel there is a problem with your bees check out our troubleshooting page here.

Californica Bees need to be kept in a cold to properly mature. Once you receive your bees keep them in a cold place such as the fridge, garage or cold storage. Store them below 40*F so they stay in hibernation from fall to spring. WARNING: If cocoons’ temperature exceeds 44*F for extended period of time they will not hibernate properly which may result in premature emergence and/or death.

Keep bees in cold hibernation until the temperature outside consistently exceeds 50*F and your blossoms begin to develop. Then it is time to place your bees in their bee house for releasing.