To avoid the phenomenon of blackening, the location is very important. If your BeeHome turns black too quickly, your house is undoubtedly too exposed to the elements.

We recommend an installation more than 1 m above the ground, facing east to south (ideally an orientation with morning sun). A tree, complete shade, or a humid environment should definitely be avoided. If you continue to have problems with mold, you can try relocating the house so that it gets more sun. You can install a protective wall to protect it from heavy rain and wind. This is especially true if you have set up your BeeHome in the garden.

1. Open your BeeHome

The procedure depends on the model:

• BeeHome Observer: Unscrew the roof and carefully remove the side panels.
  
• BeeHome Classic: Tilt slightly backward and pull the roof upwards.
  

2. Cleaning and Wood Care

Place your BeeHome with the tube side facing up on a solid surface. Remove coarse dirt with a brush. For a nice finish, you can sand the wood – first with a coarse grit (80–100), then finer (180–240). Always sand in the direction of the grain.

3. Protect the wood with linseed oil

Our wood is untreated and therefore absorbs moisture easily. Linseed oil seals the pores, smooths the surface, and protects your wild bee house long-term.

• The wood must be absolutely dry and clean.
  
• Apply two coats of linseed oil – let the first coat dry thoroughly (approx. 24 hours), then apply the second coat.
  
  This will keep your BeeHome durable and weather-resistant.
  

4. Check and replace nesting tubes

Over time, old brood residues, mold, or parasites accumulate in the tubes. That's why replacing the tubes is so important.

• Carefully remove old tubes by hand or with small pliers.
  
• Check for visible caps or escape holes. If unsure, place the tubes outdoors in a sheltered spot – never throw them away.
  
• Mold at the entrances is harmless to wild bees, but you can carefully remove it with a brush or sandpaper.
  
• Mark newly capped tubes with a green dot each year – this way you can quickly see if they are occupied. In our video tutorial on tube marking, we show you step-by-step how it works.
  

Additionally, you can restock your BeeHome with our replacement tubes made of giant reed (Arundo donax) – specially developed for wild bees.

5. Insert new tubes

When inserting the replacement tubes, keep the following in mind:

• Entrances must be smooth → rework with sandpaper if necessary.
  
• The natural knot (internode) points backward.
  
• Place tubes tightly and stably, gently tapping them in with a rubber mallet if necessary.
  
  Replacement tubes can be found directly in our shop: Order replacement tubes.
  

6. Solve common problems

• Drawer difficult to open (BeeHome Observer): Caused by swollen wood. Solution: let it dry, lightly sand the drawer sides, remove dust, apply linseed oil. The drawer will then slide smoothly again.
  
• Black wood: Your BeeHome is too damp or shady. Relocate it – at least 50 cm above the ground, protected from the weather, facing east to south.
  
• Mold problems: Change location or install an additional protective wall against rain/wind.
  

7. Proper winter storage for your BeeHome

When the days get shorter and no more bees are flying, you can place your BeeHome in a rain-protected location. Important: do not bring it indoors – wild bees need the natural cold to remain safely in hibernation.

With this autumn care, your wild bee house will remain stable, clean, and safe for a long time – and you ensure that your bees can start healthy again in spring.