Adam,
 
    I am not sure how to interprete your message, because it seems you collected
    mason bees in the Seattle area but your signature indicates Virginia.  In
    any event, concerning your questions you could contact a very enthusiastic
    Mason bee propagator in Bellingham (WA) who has been producing large numbers
    of mason bees in little shelters and also wrote a small booklet on the
    subject.  Unfortunately, he is not hooked up to the internet (yet). His
    address;
                        Brian L. Griffin
                        1607 Knox Avenue
                        Bellingham, WA 98225
                        U.S.A.
 
                        ph. (206) 733-3283
                        fx. (206) 647-2988
 
    You may also contact Dr. Philip Torchio at the USDA Bee Research Laboratory,
    Utah State University, Logan, Utah.  His lab has been involved in non-Apis
    pollinators for years.
 
    Here, in B.C. we are also involved in Orchard MAson bees.  You are welcome
    to some of the information we have.
 
    regards,
 
    Paul van Westendorp                         [log in to unmask]
    Provincial Apiarist
    British Columbia, Canada