Mason bees

[CopperKnight]

As one of my winter projects, I will be building a couple of homes for mason bees.  The homes consist of wood blocks with ~4" deep X ~5/16 diameter holes in them.  How much easier can it get to attract pollinators? 

Mason been are solitary and nearly stingless bees that are said to be far superior to the imported honeybees for the purpose of pollination, but I'm not sure how one can be more efficient than another, so I took that comment with a grain of salt. 

I plan on putting one block  between my two apple trees and one on a large mountain ash near the garden. 

If anyone has any experience attracting these guys, I would be happy to hear any tips you might have.  The only thing I've got under my belt is 5 or 6 online articles about them, this one being one of the better ones:  http://gardening.wsu.edu/library/inse006/inse006.htm

[Jason Akers]

I've got a video upcoming on making some.  They are so easy though.  My plan is to use some buckwheat to try and attract them.  I also read that a ready mud source helps.  We'll see!

Jason

[Koston]

So Copper, Have you seen any yet? The bees are starting to become active around here. I'd love to figure out a way to attract them.

[CopperKnight]

Not yet.  Still freezing here several nights per week could be the problem.  There are a bunch of honeybees out, though.

[Karl M]

I have heard that many types of herbs will attract them. Sage was one that I specifically remember being mentioned.