prefer nest cavities approximately 45 L in volume and avoid those smaller than 10 L or larger than 100 L. Western honey bees show several nest-site preferences: the height above ground is usually between 1 m and 5 m, entrance positions tend to face downward, equatorial-facing entrances are favored, and nest sites over 300 m from the parent colony are preferred. Most bees occupy nests for several years.

The bees often smooth the bark surrounding the nest entrance and coat the cavity walls with a thin layer