We are becoming increasingly aware that we need insects in our lives in order to maintain the ecosystem. Manufacturers are rolling out “bug hotel” after “bug hotel” with the aim to, if we’re honest, make money. For example, butterfly hotels are becoming more and more popular; however, it is quickly transpiring that butterflies more often than not do not use said hotels, but they sure are cute!
Bug hotels have come to be part of the garden aesthetic, and there is no problem with that; we like our gardens to be pretty as well as functional. However, we would like to think that our bug hotels are being used. Therefore, we have put together some bug hotels you can make yourself and actually put to good use.
The materials you can use to make most of these are bamboo canes, twigs, bricks, stones, logs, pinecones, straw, cardboard… How you design it is up to you!
1. The most simple of bug hotels: get your hands on a couple of cans. Have the soup, wash the cans, and use bamboo canes and some of the rabbits’ hay. Voilà!
2. Have a look around and see if any of your neighbours are having work done to the house. There will typically be bricks they need to get rid of. Collect some twigs and bamboo canes, and say hello to your new bug hotel!
3. Dubbed the “Bee B&B”, the RSPB have put together a tutorial on how to make this dainty guest house for solitary bees. More inconspicuous than the others, this can be placed under a window. You could probably reuse a wooden CD or DVD rack if you are not as DIY experienced.
4. The Bumblebee nest. Cut up some dry straw, avoid any that is damp or rotting. Make a cradle out of chicken wire to support and keep the nest dry. Fill with nesting material. Perforate an old piece of piping with a needle to make drainage holes. Push pipe into the cradle, this will allow the bees to climb in and out easily. Dig a hole deep enough for one third of the pot to be submerged. This will create the cool, moist conditions bumblebees need. Push loose soil up around the edge of the pot and pipe, leaving the tip poking out. Place some slate over the pot to keep the nest dry.
5. If you are DIY savvy, you can try your hand at something like this. It will surely make it a talking point among friends, and it will brighten up a corner of the garden.
6. You can make a feature wall; cater to all the bugs in the neighbourhood. This is a truly inspiring piece of art, and we are sure the bugs in your garden will feel super pampered!
All images are taken from Pinterest
Show us your creations by tweeting a picture at @Preloved! You can also check out our Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration.
