Print Profile(1)
Description
A mason bee hotel designed around actual research recommendations from the Xerces Society and university extension programs — not just for looks. Most cheap commercial bee hotels fail because the holes are too shallow, too wide, or too rough. This one gets it right.
Specs (based on Osmia lignaria / blue orchard mason bee research):
- 81 tubes in a 9×9 grid — 8mm diameter (5/16"), 152mm deep (6")
- Smooth tube walls — rough interiors deter occupancy
- Solid back wall — closed end is required for egg-laying
- 13mm back wall behind tube ends for structural integrity
- 32mm front roof overhang + 10mm side overhangs for rain protection
- Landing perch along the bottom front edge
- 8mm mounting hole on the back (fits M8 bolt or standard screw hook)
- Overall footprint: ~170mm W × 180mm D × 165mm H
Print settings:
- Material: PETG or ASA recommended for outdoor durability (avoid PLA)
- Supports: Minimal — only the front roof overhang may need bridging support (~30mm span)
- No infill tricks needed — the tube walls are self-supporting
Installation: Mount 3–5 feet off the ground facing south or southeast for morning sun. Place near early-blooming plants. Bees typically move in during early spring.
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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