It’s a collection of small hollows that can be used by native bees or other insects looking for a place to rest and lay eggs.
You can make a simple frame from old pieces of wood (not chemically-treated) or even use an old crate or box as a frame.Suitable filling material includes lengths of bamboo, timber off-cuts, sticks, old pots, pieces of plastic pipe, chicken wire, broken bricks, straw, dried grass and pine cones.If you don’t have these bits and pieces, you can drill holes about 15 centimetres deep into some logs and put them sideways on a layer of bricks. Whatever type of insect hotel you choose to build, put it somewhere that is protected from the elements and at least a metre off the ground.
Building an insect hotel is a great family activity and an opportunity for children to monitor the bees or insects and learn more about them.
If you need some inspiration, check out our bug hotel.
