Building Insect Hotels: Everything You Need to Know
Thinking about creating a DIY insect hotel? Here’s what you need to know first.
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Have you ever seen one of those charming wooden “bug hotels” at a garden center or online and wondered what they’re actually for?
Insect hotels - also called bug houses or bee hotels - have become popular with gardeners and nature lovers in recent years. They’re usually made from natural materials like bamboo, hollow stems, or wood, and they’re designed to give helpful insects, like solitary bees and ladybugs, a safe place to nest.
Sounds great, right? A little house for bees and bugs to help your garden thrive! But there’s a catch that many people don’t realize: if you don’t take care of your insect hotel properly, it can end up doing more harm than good.
Insect hotels, bug hotels, bee hotels — no matter the name, they’re made to give pollinators shelter and a place to nest. Image credit @hrabar via Canva
Without regular cleaning and maintenance, these tiny shelters can become breeding grounds for pests, parasites, and diseases that hurt the very insects you’re trying to help.
That doesn’t mean insect hotels are a bad idea - far from it! If you’re willing to put in a bit of time and care, they can be a wonderful way to support local pollinators and boost your garden’s health.
This insect hotel has plenty of tubes to attract solitary bees. Image credit @Fotograf aus Leidenschaft via Canva.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why people build insect hotels, whether they’re the right choice for your garden, the pros and cons, where to put one, how to build your own, and - most importantly - how to keep it clean and safe for your garden’s tiniest guests.
If an insect hotel sounds like too much fuss, you can still help pollinators by planting a garden full of their favorite plants - it’s just as rewarding. Keep scrolling for a quick list of tried-and-true pollinator favorites to get you started!
Building an insect hotel is a great hands-on project for kids.
Why Do People Build Insect Hotels?
Insect hotels might look cute, but they serve some pretty important purposes for your garden and the environment. Here’s why so many gardeners and nature lovers are adding them to their yards:
Help Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators do the heavy lifting when it comes to pollinating flowers, fruits, and veggies - which means we rely on them for much of our food! An insect hotel gives these busy little workers a safe place to lay eggs or rest, helping keep their numbers strong.
This insect hotel is stocked with all kinds of cozy nesting spots - from logs and dried stems to bricks and pieces of terra cotta - giving bugs plenty of places to settle in. Image credit @Martine Van Dijken via Canva
Natural Pest Control: Not all bugs are bad! Ladybugs, lacewings, and even spiders love to snack on garden pests like aphids, beetles, and mosquitoes. By inviting these helpful insects into your garden, you get free pest control - no chemicals needed.
A Fun Way to Learn: Building an insect hotel is a great hands-on project for kids and adults alike. Watching which bugs move in can teach you a lot about how insects live and why they’re so important for food production and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Boost Biodiversity: Many beneficial insects are losing their natural homes due to development and changes in the landscape. Insect hotels give them a safe place to hide, rest, or raise their young - whether you live in a tiny city garden or have acres of land. Even a small bug house can make a big difference!
Visit the Xerces Society’s website and learn more about the importance of bees and pollinators to our everyday lifestyle.
The front of this insect hotel is wrapped in chicken wire to keep the nesting materials in place. Image credit @Alberto Sava via Canva
Are Insect Hotels Good or Bad?
So, should you add an insect hotel to your yard? The answer is: it depends!
When done right, an insect hotel can be a fantastic addition to any garden. It gives helpful insects - like bees and ladybugs - a cozy place to nest and shelter.
But here’s the catch: just like a real hotel, it needs good management. If you don’t look after it properly or pick the right spot, it can turn into a bug disaster zone, spreading parasites and disease instead of helping.
Scientists haven’t done a lot of long-term studies yet, but most experts agree that insect hotels can be helpful - as long as you’re willing to keep up with the care they need.
This insect hotel is built from stacked pieces of old wood - a clever way to reuse scrap wood, as long as it’s untreated and safe for insects. Image credit @tupungato via Canva
Why insect hotels can be great:
You get a front-row seat to watch and learn about the secret world of insects.
They look cute and can become a fun garden focal point.
They’re an easy, low-cost way to boost biodiversity in your yard.
They give pollinators safe spots to lay eggs and rest.
They help increase the variety of helpful insects in your area.
They’re a creative way to get kids and teens excited about nature.
Insect hotels are a fun, hands-on way to get young kids excited about observing nature and discovering all kinds of fascinating bugs up close! Image credit @prill via Canva.
But here’s what to watch out for:
They do need regular cleaning and checkups. If you skip this, the hotel can fill up with parasites, mold, and diseases that hurt insects instead of helping them.
A poorly built or badly placed hotel can attract pests or fail to protect the bugs you want to help.
If too many insects crowd into one hotel, it can get blocked up, spread diseases more easily, or attract predators.
Bottom line? Insect hotels can be great - if you’re ready to keep them clean, safe, and well-situated. Read more at NC State’s Extension website.
This small DIY insect hotel is mounted to a fence post. Image credit @ANA69 via Canva
What Is the Best Site for an Insect Hotel?
Where you put your insect hotel can make all the difference in whether it becomes a safe haven for helpful bugs or an empty garden ornament.
If you’re wondering how to pick the perfect spot, here are a few simple tips to help you get it right.
Taking a few extra minutes to pick the right site will help make sure your insect hotel actually gets guests - and keeps them safe and happy.
This insect hotel hangs on a fence. Image credit @marcin_szmyd via Canva
Tips for Situating Your Insect Hotel:
Sunny Location: Most pollinators, especially bees, prefer warm and sunny spots. Position your insect hotel to face east or southeast so it catches the morning sun and warms up the insects inside. Read more about installing insect houses on Virginia Tech’s website.
Shelter from Wind and Rain: Make sure your insect hotel is protected from strong winds and heavy rain. Aim for a roof or overhang that extends at least 2 inches to keep it dry. If that’s not possible, place it somewhere naturally sheltered - like under the edge of a shed roof, beneath a porch overhang, or tucked into a spot that stays out of the weather.
Near Plants: Place the hotel near flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that provide nectar and pollen. This proximity makes it easier for pollinators to find food. Keep scrolling to discover a list of plants that pollinators love.
Off the Ground: Elevating the insect hotel off the ground helps to protect it from predators and excessive moisture.
Stable Mounting: Secure the hotel firmly to prevent it from swaying or falling, which could disturb and harm the insects inside.
Chemical-Free: Do not use pesticides and other harmful chemicals in your garden. In addition to killing the “bad bugs” and weeds, they will kill the beneficial insects and bees you are trying to help.
This insect hotel sits at the edge of an orchard, perfectly positioned to support the pollinators that help the nearby crops thrive! Image credit @Muffin Land via Canva.
DIY Insect Hotel: A Step-by-Step Guide to Build Your Own Bug Haven
Building your own insect hotel is a fun and rewarding project, and it’s easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a safe, welcoming spot for helpful garden insects.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials. Collect natural, untreated materials like hollow bamboo canes, pinecones, straw, and small twigs. Avoid using cedar wood - it naturally repels insects and can harm larvae. Stick with untreated wood to keep your guests safe! Read more about design and placement at the NC State Extension website.
Step 2: Choose the Right Nesting Materials. Think about which insects you’d like to attract. For example, hoverflies love pinecones, while mason bees prefer tunnels drilled into wood or hollow stems. Do a little research to pick the best mix for your garden’s needs - you can read more about nesting materials on Utah State University’s extension.
Step 3: Build a Sturdy Frame. Create a strong wooden box or frame to hold all the materials. You can build one from scratch or reuse an old crate or wooden pallet. Divide the frame into sections or compartments so you can pack in different materials to attract different types of bugs. Read the University of Vermont Extension article “Building a Bug Hotel” for more info.
This DIY insect hotel is made from stacked wooden pallets, logs, old clay pots, and dried plant material - a perfect mix of recycled and natural elements for garden-friendly bugs! Image credit @JohnatAPW via Canva
Step 4: Make Safe Nesting Spaces. If you’re using bamboo canes or drilling holes into wood blocks, smooth out any rough edges so the insects don’t get hurt. You can also line tunnels with special paper tubes (sold at beekeeping supply stores) to protect the insects and make cleaning easier later on. Read more in the University of Georgia Extension article “Creating Pollinator Nesting Boxes to Help Native Bees”.
Step 5: Pack It Tightly. Pack all your nesting materials snugly into the compartments so they stay put and don’t blow away. The tighter the fit, the better! If needed, cover the compartments with chicken wire to help keep everything securely in place. Learn more about nesting materials on the Xerces Society’s website.
Step 6: Add a Protective Roof. Insects and nesting materials need to stay dry, so if your insect hotel won’t be in a naturally sheltered spot, make sure to add a roof with at least a 2-inch overhang to keep rain out. Drill a few small holes in the bottom of the frame to allow for drainage during heavy rain.
A woven canopy of vines and branches creates a snug, sheltered spot for this insect hotel, giving it extra protection from wind and rain. Image credit JohnatAPW via Canva.
Step 7: Get Creative! Your insect hotel doesn’t have to be plain - turn it into a garden showpiece! Add a splash of color with paint or stain, decorate with mosaic tiles or carved details, or even top it off with a mini green roof planted with succulents. Just remember: keep any painting, staining, or decorations away from the nesting areas - only decorate the sides and surfaces without drilled holes or tunnels.
Step 8: Maintain and Refresh. Nature will slowly wear down the nesting blocks and materials, so plan to replace them once a year. Check your insect hotel regularly for damage or mold and swap out anything that looks worn or unhealthy. Read more about changing out nesting materials on biologist Colin Purrington’s website.
With just a bit of care and creativity, you’ll give helpful insects a safe place to call home, and your garden will thank you for it!
Different types of insect hotel nesting materials. Image credit @MrsBrown via Canva
Maintenance: Keeping Your Insect Hotel Clean
Keeping your insect hotel in good shape is key to making sure it helps - not hurts - the bugs you want to support.
A little upkeep goes a long way! Here are some simple tips to keep your insect hotel safe, clean, and buzzing with life:
Check In Often: Take a peek at your insect hotel now and then to make sure everything’s in good shape. Look for mold, pests, or unwanted bugs, and clear out any debris or troublemakers you find.
Clean and Refresh: Give your bug hotel a good cleaning at least once a year. Replace any broken, soggy, or rotting materials so your insect guests always have a safe, healthy place to stay.
Watch for Parasites: Keep an eye out for parasitic wasps or mites - these tiny pests can harm bee larvae. If you spot any, remove infested tubes or materials right away to protect your insect guests.
Swap Things Out: Every so often, switch out the old nesting materials for fresh ones. This helps stop diseases and parasites from building up and keeps your insect hotel a safe haven year after year.
Check out these linked articles - they’re excellent resources to help you figure out the best maintenance schedule for your insect hotel:
Building and Managing Bee Hotels for Wild Bees - Michigan State University Extension
How to Manage a Successful Bee Hotel - NC State Extension
An insect hotel is a clever way to repurpose leftover wood, bricks, and other garden scraps. Image credit @apeyron via Canva
What Type of Bugs Live in an Insect Hotel?
Insect hotels attract an amazing mix of tiny garden heroes, each playing a special role in keeping your backyard healthy and buzzing with life.
Here are some of the most common visitors you’ll be glad to have around:
Leafcutter Bees: Leafcutter bees are a common guest you’ll find in an insect hotel. These gentle pollinators create nests by packing leaf fragments into hollow stems or tubes. They play an important role in pollinating vegetables and flowers.
Mason Bees: Mason bees are friendly, solitary bees that love to nest in the hotel’s hollow tubes and drilled holes. These super efficient insects play an important role in pollinating early-blooming fruit trees like cherries, apples and pears.
A mason bee enters an insect hotel tube. Image credit @randimal via Canva.
Solitary Wasps: Don’t worry - these wasps aren’t the aggressive kind! Solitary wasps are gentle and prefer hunting pests over bothering people. They help keep unwanted pest numbers down naturally.
Ladybugs: Every gardener’s best friend, ladybugs munch through aphids and other pesky bugs by the dozens. They’re natural pest control you’ll definitely want to have stick around.
Lacewings: Another aphid-eater, lacewings tackle a wide range of common garden pests. Their larvae are tiny but mighty!
Spiders: Technically not insects, but still very welcome in the garden! Spiders often move into insect hotels and help control all sorts of unwanted bugs - they’re like free pest control on eight legs.
Check out these links to help you figure out who’s checking into your insect hotel:
Meet the Residents on NC State Extension’s website
Gallery of Bee Hotel Visitors on Colin Purrington’s website
These arrows point to leafcutter bee nests - these tiny garden helpers are common guests in insect hotels and do an amazing job pollinating your veggies and flowers! Image credit @jodilei1990 via Canva.
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Plant These Pollinator-Friendly Picks for Extra Support
Want to make your insect hotel even more inviting? Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials around your yard to offer extra food and shelter - it’s like adding room service and a buffet for your tiny guests!
Or, if you’ve decided that maintaining an insect hotel isn’t quite your thing, these same pollinator favorite plants can still do plenty of good all on their own.
These plants support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout your garden landscape. This list includes nectar plants (which feed adult pollinators), host plants (which give their larvae a place to hatch and grow), and many that do both - so your garden will truly buzz with life!
Perennials
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
White Wood Aster (Aster divaricatus)
Smooth Aster (Aster laevis)
New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae)
Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis)
White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
Pink Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii)
Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)
Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)
Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Golden Groundsel (Packera aurea)
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
Short Toothed Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum muticum)
Narrow Leaved Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium)
Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata)
Large Coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima)
Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida)
Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)
A busy bee sips nectar from a purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).
Shrubs
Glossy Abelia (Abelia grandiflora)
Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)
Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) - read our article about smooth hydrangeas for a list of pollinator favorite varieties.
Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
Pinxterbloom Azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides)
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
Smooth Witherod (Viburnum nudum)
Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)
Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum)
Small to Medium Sized Trees
Canadian Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Common Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Temple of Bloom® Seven-Son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides)
American Holly (Ilex opaca)
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Summersweet flowers (Clethra alnifolia) are a pollinator favorite.
Tall Shade Trees
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus)
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
White Oak (Quercus alba)
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
American Linden (Tilia americana)
Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata)
Follow Plant and Bloom Design Studio on Pinterest for more garden ideas!
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