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Product  Information and Suppliers 
for Blue Orchard Bees, Osmia lignaria, 
and Hornfaced Bees, Osmia cornifrons, 
for Orchard Pollination

BINDERBOARD™ ARE AVAILABLE!  Click to Learn more.
Books on Osmia management; Observation nests 
If you are a supplier of orchard bees or bee supplies, and would like to be listed on this suppliers' page, please contact me.  If you are already listed, please check to be sure that your listing is up-to-date.

• Introduction
• Advice and Information
• Suppliers, United States and Canada
• Suppliers, International 
• Pollination Services for Commercial Orchards 

Introduction

This list is compiled, in part, from lists created by Dr. Suzanne Batra and Dr. Phil Torchio, and is edited by Dr. Karen Strickler, Pollination Ecologist,  (contact info) Please contact Dr. Strickler to add, change, or remove items from the list.

Novice buyers of solitary bees, or those who have had trouble establishing a population, may wish to purchase bees from regions with climates comparable to where they will be released. For example, the hornfaced bee, Osmia cornifrons, may not do well in dry areas (e.g., much of Western USA) and they require protection from temperatures below 10^oF during the winter (read about hornfaced bees). The blue orchard bee or orchard mason bee, Osmia lignaria, is found naturally throughout most of the United States, though populations adapted to one location may require special management to thrive in other regions. Research is beginning to clarify the extent of regional climatic adaptation of these bees, and their flexibility with regard to treatment and handling.

A variety of factors other than climate may be involved if transported bees do not survive. Bee quality may vary from year to year even from a single supplier. Suppliers may vary with regard to quality control and guarantees. Ask for information about parasite levels, winter storage conditions prior to purchase, and handling. In regions with imported red fire ants or Argentine ants, nesting materials should be protected with sticky or liquid barriers. If you follow directions for storage and handling, but have problems with your bees, contact your supplier. Most suppliers are interested to know the fate of their bees, should be able to provide advice, and can clarify instructions.

FAQ:  The bees that I purchased were lethargic when they emerged.  What was wrong?  Research provides an answer.

FAQ:  Mites are killing my Orchard Bees.  Are they the same mites that affect honey bees?  What can I do?

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Advice and Information

Updated Dec. 1, 2008
Copyright © 2000, Karen Strickler. All rights reserved.