Mason Bees
Late Winter, Early Spring – Inspect and take inventory of your 8 mm nesting holes. You should have about one nesting hole per mason bee cocoon. If you raised bees last season, your cocoons should be safely stored in the refrigerator or unheated garage. If you are new to bee raising, order mason bee cocoons two weeks before spring blossoms open. If you want to paint your bee house, do it now so it can cure before the bees move in.
This is part of an exceptional resource. Mason Bee Beginner's Guide 2021.
Leafcutter Bees
Summer – When blossoms are open, and daytime temps reach a consistent 75°F/24°C, it’s time to release your leafcutter cocoons. Unlike mason bees, leafcutter bees cannot be stored in the refrigerator until the temps are right. If you are new to bee raising, select a shipping date as close as possible to when you would like the leafcutters to begin pollinating. Bees will arrive ready to emerge and fly! Intact cocoons can’t regulate their temperatures, so if temperatures are above 90°F/32°C, you may consider allowing the cocoons to emerge indoors (in a breathable bag) and release them in the early morning hours as they emerge.
This is just a small excerpt of the information you will find in our Leafcutter Bee Beginner's Guide.