Natural Insect Hotel

Insects undertake many jobs in our gardens. Solitary bees are the best pollinators for flowers of plants and ladybugs and earwigs act as natural pest fighters and they eat large quantities of aphids among other insects.  With this insect hotel you can offer several species at the same time the opportunity to nest and hibernate. The habitats of many species of insects are threatened by changes to their environment and this is a way of helping to protect them.  Solitary bees look for shelter in hollow sticks.  The holes in the block of wood will be used as a nesting space by many different species. Each prefer a different diameter. Masonry bees will choose for example the holes with a diameter of .12 to .47" while a Hyaeus will occupy the ones with a diameter of .08 to .16". Wild bees seal their tubes with loam.  

There are several things to consider when choosing a location for the insect hotel.  It should be hung in a sunny location so it will be warm for the offspring and also consider hanging it away from wind and rain.  Hang it at a height between 4 - 6.6' and preferably facing south.  The entrances must be visible to all visiting insects.  The insect hotel is best hung near herbs, flowering perennials, loam, sand and water.   

This box measures 10 1/2" tall, 7" wide at the base and 6 1/4" deep.  This box was designed in Holland and made in the EU.  The wood is FSC approved.