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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
From:
Bob & Liz <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 10 Feb 2001 07:15:06 -0600
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Hello John & All,
As a raiser of of Osmia Lignaria(Orchard Mason Bee) I agree with everything
John has said.  I however use reeds instead of the blocks so I can check
each reed over the winter for disease,number of live bees and the sex.  I
also do not reuse the reeds.  The reeds split easy in half so you can
inspect the bees.  I then tape the reed back together and mark the number of
males and females on the side.
The reeds are the method of choice for the USDA from which I got my first
bees.
I thought of trying to make blocks with the 6 inch holes but they have been
slow to make because of the 6 inch depth hole.  My drill press doesn't have
a depth of 6 inches although I do have a longer than 6 inch 5 /16 drill bit.
I have to move the bottom plate up each time because the hole isn't supposed
to be drilled all the way through the block. Then the hole doesn't clean the
wood out good because you can only lift the drill  up about 3 1/2 inches.
Is there a easy way to drill the 6 inch hole without standing over the block
with a drill?   I made some cute birdhouse looking nest blocks playing
around in the shop last winter but got bored with drilling all those holes
and moving the plate on the drill press for each hole.   About 25 of those
are out in the shop waiting for holes to be drilled.   Fortunately they are
not high on my priority list as I grew tired of fighting the 6 inch holes.
I believe thats why all blocks I see for sale are 3 1/2 inch in depth.   I
believe the reeds work better but are not as cute in a yard/ garden setting.
These solitary bees are for the many calls I get each year from people
wanting one hive of bees brought to their 10 by 20 garden for polination and
then REMOVED as soon as the garden is polinated.   If any Bee-L beekeepers
live in the Kansas City area and are willing to provide the service please
contact me so I can give them your number.
Sincerely,
Bob Harrison
Odessa,Missouri

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