Bug hotel materials
Which materials are inside the bug hotel compartments and why
The list below names the different materials that are inside the bug hotel compartments and the insects related.
We will give this list to the schools with the purchase of one of our hotels and thus, facilitate the understanding of the students and teachers about the different insects that the hotel intends to attract, and in what kind of space they like to live. As this is a first draft it would need to be reviewed and the English improved before it would be given to teachers.
This list also will help with the maintenance by knowing which are the materials that needs to be replaced in case of damage or deterioration.
We will give this list to the schools with the purchase of one of our hotels and thus, facilitate the understanding of the students and teachers about the different insects that the hotel intends to attract, and in what kind of space they like to live. As this is a first draft it would need to be reviewed and the English improved before it would be given to teachers.
This list also will help with the maintenance by knowing which are the materials that needs to be replaced in case of damage or deterioration.
Dead wood and Bark
Some beetles like the ladybug and the stag beetle like to lay their eggs between pieces of wood and bark. Also many other insects as centipedes and woodlice use the little spaces between the pieces of wood or bark to feel safer, having shelter and a place to hibernate. Beetles, centipedes, spiders and woodlice all lurk beneath the decaying wood and bark. Woodlice and millipedes help to break down woody plant material. They are essential parts of the garden recycling system. Pine Cone
The function is very similar to dead wood pieces, so it's attracting same type of insects, like ladybirds. Straw & Corrugated cardboard This two materials provide a lot of places where insects as lacewings can find shelter and safe hibernation spots. |
Bore wood
There are many holes along the frame, those have different sizes to host a diversity of bugs as types of solitary bees and wasps.
There are many holes along the frame, those have different sizes to host a diversity of bugs as types of solitary bees and wasps.
Bamboo canes
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Bricks
In the small brick holes can inhabit bumblebees and other types of solitary bees.
Due to its freshness and humidity we can also find different types of mollusc such as slugs or snails, and in case the holes are larger can lodge small reptiles such as lizards or frogs.
In the small brick holes can inhabit bumblebees and other types of solitary bees.
Due to its freshness and humidity we can also find different types of mollusc such as slugs or snails, and in case the holes are larger can lodge small reptiles such as lizards or frogs.
About some of the insects
Solitary bees
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Lacewings
Lacewings and their larvae consume large numbers of aphids, beetles, white flies and mites, as well as other garden pests. You can make a home for them by rolling up a piece of corrugated cardboard and putting it in a waterproof cylinder, such as an old lemonade bottle. Ladybirds
Ladybirds and their larvae are champion aphid munchers! The adults hibernate over winter, they need dry sticks or leaves to hide in. |
What insects can do in our garden
As we can see in the lists above, there are many insects that can help us in many different ways.
To have good vegetables and fruits in our trees it is best to attract pollinating insects, they will be in charge of going from flower to flower taking the pollen and helping to have a good flower fertilisation.
Other bugs are great pest eaters, eating thousands of insects that we do not want in our garden, helping us to keep the environment in balance.
And do not forget other insects that help us improve the fertility of the soil, aerating or decomposing organic matter to make it into a good fine compost from which plants can feed more easily.
Also if we have a high insect population, we can attract different predators from them, attract these predators as bats or birds increase diversity on our site and help keep the system in balance eating other pests.
To have good vegetables and fruits in our trees it is best to attract pollinating insects, they will be in charge of going from flower to flower taking the pollen and helping to have a good flower fertilisation.
Other bugs are great pest eaters, eating thousands of insects that we do not want in our garden, helping us to keep the environment in balance.
And do not forget other insects that help us improve the fertility of the soil, aerating or decomposing organic matter to make it into a good fine compost from which plants can feed more easily.
Also if we have a high insect population, we can attract different predators from them, attract these predators as bats or birds increase diversity on our site and help keep the system in balance eating other pests.
Online resources
Maintenance
- In October, check the bug hotel to see if any of the materials are deteriorated or missing, if they are then restock them by gathering similar materials from nature or buying in a garden store.
- Once a year after summer clean the holes or replace the bamboo canes that have been used, to avoid infections from previous guests.
- Once a year before winter it is recommended to apply a linseed oil or teak coat to the frame surface.