Even the smallest of gardens or outdoor spaces can be enhanced by the addition of a bug hotel. These useful habitats provide a place for some insects, like solitary bees, to nest in the spring. For other insects, like ladybirds, they provide a cosy place to spend the winter months.
This activity combines so many skills and is good fun to do – especially if you’re looking for something that you can achieve as a team (adults and children together). Don’t worry if you don’t have all the resources for the ‘deluxe’ hotel, simply give the low resource ‘express’ option a try – there will be enough insect customers for all establishments!
Express Insect Hotel
What you will need:
- Hollow plant stems, such as bamboo canes
- Twigs and sticks
- Strings
How to make your express insect hotel:
- Collect handfuls of stems, twigs and sticks from the ground – make sure to leave plenty behind for the wildlife.
- Tie the bundles of stems, twigs and sticks in two places.
- Push them into a bush, or hang them in a sheltered place.
- Get ready to welcome your insect guests!
Deluxe insect hotel
What you will need:
- Small logs or untreated timber (at least 10cm long)
- Hollow plant stems, like bamboo canes
- Twigs and sticks
- Woodsaw
- Nails and hammer or screwdriver and wood screws
- Drill and 5mm wood bit
- Wire
How to make your deluxe insect hotel:
- Make a wooden frame, fixing the wood with screws or nails.
- Fill the frame with stems, twigs and sticks.
- If you’re feeling artistic, use pens or paints to decorate your frame.
- Fix a wire loop to the back of the frame and hang somewhere sheltered.
- Your insect hotel is open for business!
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