These are refill tubes for mason bee houses and nests. The tubes should be replaced each year in late winter. Be sure to read our handout (see below) to understand the process. It is easy to do and you will be making a HUGE difference to the native tunnel nesting pollinators in your yard.
Mason bees are NATIVE tunnel nesting bees. They are solitary, do not sting, and fly earlier in the spring than other pollinators. In nature, they lay their eggs in hollow plant stems, holes in logs, and other openings. By installing a mason bee house, you will offer them a place to lay their eggs and you will be able to learn and observe these very important native pollinators. Mason bees emerge from their overwintering tunnels starting in mid-March. Be sure to put up your bee house in time for them to take advantage of it as they lay their eggs during the spring.
Visit our website and go to the information/handouts page. There is an excellent handout there all about mason bees, where to locate the house, and so much more.