Rent Mason Bees

Sustainable Solitary Bee Pollinators

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Rent Mason Bees is the largest solitary bee provider in the United States. We are on a mission to champion the cause of solitary bee conservation and are deeply committed to raising awareness of the indispensable role these remarkable pollinators play in our ecosystem.

Our efforts extend far beyond simply offering solitary bees to gardeners and farmers. We are at the forefront of groundbreaking research initiatives, closely collaborating with esteemed research teams and bee laboratories to investigate the ever-increasing threat posed by harmful predators to solitary bee populations.

The widespread popularity of charming bee hotels, with millions being sold each year, has given rise to a crucial challenge - these well-intentioned accommodations can inadvertently become hunting grounds for the very predators we seek to protect solitary bees from. We take a proactive approach to tackle this challenge, with a primary focus on ensuring that bee hotels fulfill their role as safe havens for solitary bees. Our measures involve meticulous cleaning to eliminate any potential threats and diligent bee management over the winter. This comprehensive approach ensures that when you receive your nesting materials and bees, they are free from predators, ensuring a clean and secure environment for these essential pollinators.

Rent Mason Bees invites gardeners, environmental enthusiasts, and communities to join our cause. By embracing solitary bees and incorporating them into your gardens, you not only support solitary bee populations but also reap the benefits of these exceptional pollinators. Together, we can make a significant impact on pollination, biodiversity, and the overall health of our ecosystems.

Join us in our mission to create a more vibrant and sustainable garden ecosystem, and together, let's ensure the future of solitary bees and the prosperity of our environment.

Meet Our Team

Thyra McKelvie is our Managing Director and Pollination Program Educator. Thyra oversees our efforts to help gardeners host solitary bees, and engages in public outreach to teach more people about solitary bees and the importance of taking care of all our pollinators. In addition to writing feature articles for National Publications, Thyra also produces educational videos that can be seen on our YouTube Channel. If you’re interested in having Thyra speak at your event, please click here: GUEST ARTICLES OR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS – Rent Mason Bees
Nina Tran is the Logistics Manager and oversees all our shipping, returns and the harvest of millions of mason and leafcutter bees. Prior to Rent Mason Bees, she worked with gardeners at Kent East Hill Nursery to help them create and plant sustainable gardens that would promote healthy ecosystems for fauna and flora. With a B.S. in Environmental Science, she has a deep passion for environmental conservation and believes that working with nature is the key to a sustainable future. Nina looks forward to working with our bee hosts, farmers, and our little solitary bees to make an impact on our growing ecosystems in the years to come.
Jim Watts is the owner of Rent Mason Bees and Watts Solitary Bees. He is a founding member of the Orchard Bee Association, a non-profit which is focused on research and growth of the orchard bee pollination industry and protection of orchard bees. Jim grew up around bees working with his dad in the family bee business. His passion led him to start his own business operating now for over 25 years. His expertise includes commercial pollination with solitary bees, propagating native bees and helping local gardeners with their pollination needs.
Craig Watts is located in Portland, Oregon. He has been working with solitary bees for the past twelve years. His focus has been on the propagation of leafcutter and mason bees, and the development of products for the bee industry.
 

Learn How to Rent and Host Mason Bees

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Bee Amazed

Mason bees
visit up to
2,000
flowers a day
400 Mason bees
do the work of
40,000
honey bees
One Mason bee
block can hold
500
eggs
Farmers
release
1,000
bees per acre
to pollinate their
crops