Looking for spare parts? Click here

Need Expert Advice?
Give Us a Call?

1800 558 400

 
0 MY CART

How To Make A Bug Hotel

How To Make A Bug Hotel

How To Make A Bug Hotel

Attracting bugs into your garden sound like something you won’t want to do but it can actually be an important part in a successful garden. Some insects can help control the population of damaging insects or pests. They are also responsible for the pollination of food crops and flowers. Creating a safe space for these insects to breed and hibernate can encourage healthy pollination and can drive away parasites.

Insects can be very picky when it comes to accommodation, so follow this guide to make sure you get it right. Not only is this a great excuse to use our chainsaw, but it’s also a great way to teach your kids about gardening. It can be a little fun activity for Fathers Day.

It should be located at least 1 meter off the ground. This will protect it from small and curious kids and animals. For better results, make sure the front can see the most sun so it stays warm as possible and can dry easily when it rains. Don’t hang it under the tree or anywhere shady.

The most ideal location is in front of a fence and near pollen-rich plants so they have access to food.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
  • A chainsaw, nothing too big!
  • A drill
  • A sawhorse or workbench
  • Wire mesh
  • Pinecones
  • Reeds
  • Bark or mulch
  • Old roof tiles (optional)
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Staple gun
STEP 1:

Start by cutting your log into shape for the pitched roof of your bug hotel. Make sure it won’t roll away when you cut it. Use a classic sawhorse or a tree stump to make it easier.

STEP 2:

Next, cut off a 4cm thick cookie on a slight angle. This will be used for the roof. For the base, cut a cookie with the same thickness from the bottom of the log. Set them aside for later.

STEP 3:

Now for the front, set your log upright and secure it somewhere sturdy. Cut off one side so it has a flat face. Use this side to sketch out area for the holes, slots and recesses. The slits are great for butterflies and the holes are great for wild bees. The recesses can be filled with pinecones, bark, wood shavings and more.

STEP 4:

To complete the recess, lay the log down and make the fourth cut. After sawing the first recess, repeat the steps for the second recess.

Cut out the marked recesses using a chainsaw. Do initial vertical cut first then the horizontal plunge cuts. Make sure to cut the plunge slowly because it has risks of kickback. Follow safety component when operating the chainsaw. After the plunge, cut the second vertical cut.

STEP 5:

Saw the slits next. Then, use a drill to make the holes. They should be between 3mm – 6mm in diameter because insects prefer smaller holes. Smooth them with sandpaper to finish.

STEP 6:

Keep nosy birds away by cutting a piece of wire mesh. Cover the entire front of the bug hotel then keeps it in place with fencing staples.

STEP 7:

This is one of the most important steps – fill it with nesting materials for the insects. Turn it upside down and start filling the bottom section first. Trim grasses and reeds and stack them in the recess. Next, top it with mulch to keep your hotel insulated.

STEP 8:

It’s now time to attach the base. Use the cookie from step #2 to attach the base using a hammer and nails.

STEP 9:

Lastly, fill the top of your bug hotel and attach its roof. Grasses and mulch will be perfect for attracting bees. Once you’re happy with the fillings, attach the roof just like how you did with the base. You can also add wood shavings and pine cones.

Need Expert Advice?
Give Us a Call
1800 558 400

The Mower Place is among the largest dealers of outdoor power equipment in Australia. The business has been established for over 30 years and services a broad range of customers including domestic users, professional contractors, commercial users and Government institutions.

© Copyright 2024 Mower Place