Finding easy ways to encourage wildlife into our gardens is something we're always keen to try, and this simple bee and bug hotel will have visitors flying in from all over to stay in its five star rooms.
Bees are an essential part of ensuring our gardens flourish, and when you realise that there are 35 species of bees under threat of extinction in the UK alone, anything we can do to give them a helping hand is well worth the effort.
This simple DIY project from Cuprinol uses a wooden pallet for the main frame of the bug hotel, and it's easy to create in a weekend. You don't need acres of space for this DIY design either, as it works just as well in small city gardens and on balconies as it does in larger outdoor spaces. Simply attach the finished design to a fence panel, the side of a shed, a wall or even a tree, and your new residents should soon be buzzing with excitement.
If you want even more great ideas for attracting bees to your garden, check out our guide to the best bee-friendly plants.
You will need:
- 5ltr tin of Cuprinol Ducksback wood treatment
- 1 rough-sawn wood pallet
- 3 flat-head nails
- Sandpaper/flexible sanding pad
- Selection of natural materials, such as hessian, jute, natural dried grasses, cut bamboo etc
- Fine mesh chicken wire
- 8-10 metal pins and screws
- Fixing bracket
- Staples (DIY not stationery)
- Handsaw
- Wire clippers
- Drill
- Hammer
Step one: saw the pallet
Saw off the end of the pallet using a handsaw. Make sure that you're in a well-lit area and that the pallet is placed on a secure surface with plenty of space around you. Lever off one of the planks from the discarded pallet and nail to the back of the cut section, creating an open-fronted box with two long slots.
Step 2: paint the wood
Lightly sand the box, then dust off the surface after sanding with a clean brush or cloth to remove any dust or residue. Next, paint the surface with two coats of Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback wood treament to add colour and protect the wood. Make sure you allow it to dry completely after each coat.
Step 3: fill the frame with materials
This is the fun part as you get to fill each slot with natural materials. Kids will love having the opportunity to join in with this part of the project too as it's super easy to do. Simply layer up your pine cones and hessian, jute, grasses and bamboo. There’s no real method to it; just be creative and do your best to pack it with goodies for the bugs.
Step four: cover the front with chicken wire
Cut a length of chicken wire to cover the open front of each box and hammer in small staples to keep it securely in place. Trim the wire to size using wire clippers. Fix the bracket to the back of the hotel, then simply hang it off a fence (or wherever you have chosen to hang it in your garden) and wait for the bugs to set up home in their new hotel. Job done!
More to read:
- Find out how to grow perfect peonies with our advice
- Cottage garden ideas: create a space you'll love
- Follow our advice and learn how to make a raised bed in your garden
