Before we get into the step-by-step, here are the questions we get asked most often about the Fresh Nesting Module - because chances are you're wondering the same things.
"When exactly do I swap it?" - Once mason bee nesting is done, usually late May/early June. You'll know because the mud plugs stop appearing and activity drops off.
"What if nothing has moved in?" - Still swap it. A fresh module is more inviting than one with old debris, and leafcutters in particular prefer clean chambers.
"Can I look inside before swapping?" - You can see the clear viewing panel all the activity, but don't remove the viewing panel yet. If you spot sealed mud plugs, the larvae are inside and the cocoons are forming safely.
"Do I need to clean the old module?" - After harvesting in early autumn or after the bees have emerged the following spring. A dry brush and damp cloth are all it needs - no chemicals.
What Is the Fresh Nesting Module?
The Fresh Nesting Module gives your solitary bees a clean, ready-to-use home each season. At the end of the mason bee nesting period, simply remove the filled module and replace it with this new one for leafcutter bees. This keeps your Premium Bee Observation Box prepared and inviting for bees year after year.
Handcrafted from natural solid oak and designed exclusively for the BeeLife Box Premium Observation Box, it's the easiest way to maintain your box and protect your bees' cocoons safely over winter.
How It Works - Step by Step
- At the end of nesting season, remove the filled module from your Premium Bee Observation Box
- Store the filled module safely in a cool, dry place to protect the cocoons over winter
- Slot in this fresh module - ready for next spring or for leafcutters in June/July after mason bees finish.
- Bees return and begin nesting again in the new module
The Pollen Stage
This is what a filled module looks like. The eggs inside grow into larvae, then each one spins a cocoon and rests right through winter until emergence.
In 2025, first year's trial - here's one of our test bee boxes, made from a leftover off‑cut of our own wood. We passed the test solitary bee box to a friend for trial use in early 2025.
What To Do With a Filled Module
You have three easy options:
1. Let nature take its course
Store the filled module somewhere sheltered outdoors. Emerging bees will leave naturally when the time is right.
2. Store it safely in a cool dry shed or outdoor place
Keep it in an unheated, protected place until you're ready to open it.
3. Harvest in Autumn
To clean the cocoons, remove pests, and store them safely until release.
The Cocoon Stage
Six to seven weeks on, it's now showcasing 50 cocoons with our wavy nesting‑chamber design, and the entrance holes are fully sealed with mud - a perfect sign of successful nesting.
Opening the Module and Caring for Cocoons
- Unscrew the acrylic front
- Gently remove the cocoons and place them in an open box or shallow dish. They will emerge on their own.
- While the module is empty, clean it for next season: brush out the old nesting mud with a thin brush, wipe the chambers with a damp cloth only (no chemicals), and allow it to dry fully before storing.
A clean module helps keep future bees healthy and encourages them to return.
Looking After Your BeeLife Module
Your BeeLife nesting module is designed to give solitary bees a safe, clean place to build their chambers. With a few simple habits, you can help them use the module exactly as nature intended - from the first mud plug to the final spring emergence.
Good Practices for Module Care
-
Position the module where bees can find it easily A bright, sheltered spot with morning sun encourages bees to start nesting early in the day.
-
Keep the module firmly in place Once mounted, it should stay level and secure. A stable module protects the delicate chambers bees create inside.
-
Leave the module untouched once nesting begins As soon as bees start packing the tubes with mud or leaves, the module becomes a nursery. Keeping it still prevents damage to developing larvae.
-
Let the bees complete their work They'll fill each chamber, seal it, and leave the young to grow through the warmer months. The module quietly supports this entire process.
-
Move the module only when the season is finished In autumn, when activity has stopped, you can relocate it to a cool, unheated space for winter protection.
-
Store the module somewhere dry and cool A shed or garage keeps cocoons safe until spring emergence.
-
Refresh the module at the right time If you harvest cocoons, empty them gently and clear out old nesting material so the module is ready for next year's bees.
Things to Avoid With the Module
-
Avoid moving or tilting the module during nesting Even small shifts can disturb the mud partitions and harm the developing bees inside.
-
Avoid painting or treating the module Bees prefer natural materials. Chemical finishes can discourage nesting or affect larvae.
-
Avoid placing the module in damp or shaded areas Moisture and darkness can slow activity and encourage mould.
-
Avoid opening sealed chambers Once capped, those cells contain growing bees. Leave them completely undisturbed.
-
Avoid storing the module somewhere warm in winter Heat can trigger early emergence before flowers are available.
-
Avoid reusing the module without cleaning Old debris can harbour pests or mould. A fresh module supports healthy new nesters.
Ready to Order?
Every BeeLife Box is now made from natural solid oak and designed in‑house by BeeLife Box Co.
Keep your BeeLife Box ready for another season of bee observation.