How to Build a Bug Hotel for Your Garden
By RSPCA Shop | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: How-to Guides
Attract pollinators and natural pest controllers by building a simple bug hotel. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a cozy insect house using recycled materials.
Quick answer
Build a simple bug hotel from recycled materials to give garden wildlife a safe nesting spot. A few hollow stems, pine cones, and a wooden frame are all you need to start.
Why a bug hotel helps your garden
A bug hotel mimics the natural nooks and crannies that insects need to shelter, breed, and overwinter. By providing these spaces, you encourage pollinators like solitary bees and natural pest controllers like ladybirds to stay in your garden.
The key is using a variety of materials so different insects can find their preferred habitat. Hollow stems attract solitary bees, while dry leaves and bark suit beetles and centipedes.
Where to place your bug hotel
Position your bug hotel in a sunny, sheltered spot, ideally facing south or southeast. Insects need warmth to stay active, and a dry location prevents mold from damaging the materials.
Mount it at least 30 cm off the ground on a wall, fence, or post to keep it safe from damp and predators.
Steps to build your bug hotel
- Choose your frame: Use an old wooden crate, a shallow wooden box, or even a stack of pallets. The frame should be at least 20 cm deep to hold enough material and have an open front so insects can enter. Avoid plastic frames – they trap moisture and can overheat in direct sun.
- Collect natural fillers: Gather hollow stems (bamboo canes, dried sunflower stalks), pine cones, dry leaves, small twigs, and bark. Cut stems to the depth of your frame so they fit snugly. Make sure all materials are bone-dry before inserting them – damp fillers rot quickly and deter insects.
- Layer the materials: Pack the frame tightly in sections: place hollow stems upright in one area for solitary bees, pile pine cones and bark in another for beetles, and add dry leaves for centipedes and woodlice. Don't leave large gaps – insects prefer snug, secure spaces. Fill every corner so the hotel stays stable.
- Secure and mount the hotel: Attach a roof (a piece of slate, wood, or thick bark) to keep rain out. Fix the hotel to a wall or fence using screws or sturdy hooks, tilting it slightly forward so water runs off. Check that the hotel is firmly attached – a wobbling structure will deter insects from moving in.
- Maintain and observe: Leave the bug hotel undisturbed through autumn and winter. In early spring, gently remove any moldy or collapsed fillers and replace them with fresh, dry material. Do not use pesticides near the hotel – they will kill the very insects you are trying to attract.
Product to consider
- Wooden Ladybird Hotel: Crafted from wood and shaped like a friendly ladybird, it’s a colourful and practical way to encourage pollinators and pest-controlling ladybirds to move in. If you prefer a ready-made option, this charming ladybird hotel gives beneficial insects a head start while adding a playful touch to your garden.
Wooden Ladybird Hotel
