Is this a bee house?

[KiwiNikki]

Hi,

I'm hoping someone here will know what this box is that I found in my garden (left by the previous owner). I'm assuming it's some kind of bee box/house. It is made of plastic and has a hole in one end. There's a divider that slides into the box about a third of the way in with the same sized hole. If I'm right and it is a bee box, is there something I need to buy to refill it so they start using it? Where should I put it?

The previous owner also left a bee tube holder so I'm planning to get some tubes from ebay or amazon.

Thanks,
Nikki

[mothhawk]

That's a bumble bee box, Nikki. ideally you want an old mouse nest for it, as old mouse holes are where bumbles seem to like nesting best. You could try putting some dried grasses in the back section (the part furthest away from the entrance hole), sort of moulded into a hollow ball shape like a nest. A better plan would be to find someone who has pet mice, perhaps a school, or try your local pet shop, and see if you can beg a bit of mousy bedding off them.

The box needs siting low to the ground, sheltered, undisturbed, where it will get some sunshine and not much bad weather. It's a bit late to get bees in it this year, but you might be lucky next year.

[KiwiNikki]

Mothhawk,

Thanks for the confirmation. I'll clean it up and put it aside for next year. We do have bumble bees nesting in a hole in our veg garden. A bit horrified to realise it's probably an old mouse nest! But on the other hand, it's nice to see the bees coming and going whenever I'm out in the garden. Was worried we'd walk over it and cave the whole thing in so have sectioned it off with old bricks to remind us not to walk there!