Most of our bees are solitary, and spend a significant amount of their lives searching for nesting sites. While some species nest in holes in the ground, others will look for hollow stems. If you can provide a suitable home, these bees and other vital insects will come to you. 

• An untreated wooden plank, at least 10 cm wide. Note: If you don’t want to build your own hotel exterior, you can upcycle tin cans or hardy containers. You will only need the materials below for this.
• Saw, drill, hammer, screws and secateurs.
• Plenty of hollow stems of different diameters (including the bees’ preferred 3-5 mm), such as bramble, reed or bamboo. To attract a range of species include 2-10mm diameter holes.
• Other natural materials such as twigs, plant stems, straw or pinecones.
• Twine and a mirror fixing to hang the finished nest up.

1. Create a frame: Use a sturdy wooden box or build a frame from untreated wood. Aim for a depth of at least 10-15 cm. Add a roof to protect it from rain, which can be made from wood, tile, or slate. If you're upcycling a hardy container, tin can or plant pot, skip this step.
2. Divide and fill the compartments: If you’d like to attract more than just bees, create sections and fill each one with different materials such as…

Hollow canes, bamboo, or plant stems: Place bundles horizontally to create nesting holes for solitary bees.

Logs or wood blocks: Drill holes of varying diameters (2-10 mm) to attract native bees and other insects.

Pinecones or dry leaves: Great for lacewings and ladybugs to hibernate.

Straw, hay, or corrugated cardboard: Provides shelter for spiders, earwigs, and other insects.

3. Assemble and secure the materials: Pack the materials tightly but ensure insects can crawl in and out easily. Use twine or mesh if needed to secure looser materials like straw or leaves.
4. Mount or Place the Bug Hotel: Hang it at least 1m off the ground to avoid dampness and ideally in a sunny, sheltered spot to help with maintaining warmth.

Inspired to create a pollinator-friendly garden? Pledge to support pollinators as part of our Nature Neighbours campaign and plot your garden on our virtual map.

Nature Neighbours

Although we encourage you to upcycle as much as possible, pre-made bug and bee hotels are available at our Nature Discovery Centres if you aren’t handy with DIY. Try and find ones with 2-10mm cavities to ensure they are ideal for native bee species.