Beneath the hustle of urban life, exists a quieter world teeming with buzzing, flitting wildlife striving to survive amongst us. As we’ve progressed, we’ve unwittingly encroached upon habitats where beneficial bugs once thrived. Luckily, we can help re-create these much-needed ecosystems by building insect hotels right in our own backyards. Here are five DIY insect hotels that you can build over the weekend.
Pallet Insect Hotel
Re-use old shipping pallets to make a multi-tiered refuge for creepy crawlies. Gather some pallets, untreated wood cuttings, bricks, clay pots, straw, and old tiles. Assemble the pallets on atop each other, using the bricks for stability. Fill each internal space with different materials such straw, clay pots, or wood; each will attract different insects. Finish the topmost layer with tiles to provide shelter from rain. You can also check out an additional guide on how to build a bug hotel.
Mason Bee House
Mason bees can multiply your garden bloom, so why not give them a home? Gather untreated 4×4 wood, paper straws, and a drill with 5/16” bit. Cut the wood into 6” length. Drill holes into the block, but leave an inch un-drilled at the bottom. Lastly, insert the straws into the holes. For an enriching guide, check out this DIY mason bee houses guide.
Wine Cork Insect Hotel
Don’t let those wine corks go to waste; they can be perfect for building insect hotels. You will simply need a wooden box and wine corks. Fill the box tightly with the corks; keep their hollow ends facing outward. Fix your little cork insect hotel near flowering plants for an influx of pollinators.
Can Tube Insect Hotel
Empty soda cans and bamboo tubes can make a neat retreat for insects. Make sure to secure your soda can on one end. Cut bamboo tubes relative to the can’s depth and fill the can with tubes. Fix the open can end horizontally so the bamboo tubes are accessible from one side. This simple and effective design is highly appealing to many insects.
Drilled Log Hotel
This insect hotel is quite appealing in its rustic charm. Simply take a log, preferably of hardwood, and various sizes of drill bits. Drill multiple holes, at various depths, throughout the log. Refrain from drilling completely through. Place this quaint hotel near your garden or plants and enjoy the visit from a variety of insects. For some additional inspiration, consider checking out this bug hotel guide.
In conclusion, these do-it-yourself insect hotels not only foster beneficial bugs, but they also add a fun, sustainable element to your garden decor. Isn’t it time we took a step towards honoring and sheltering the little creatures that contribute so much towards a thriving ecosystem?