Build a Bug Hotel This May Half Term with Hortiwool

Looking for a fun and educational outdoor activity this May half term? Why not get creative and give your garden wildlife a helping hand by building a bug hotel! Not only is it a brilliant way to keep children entertained during the school break, but it also plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity right in your back garden.

A bug hotel (also known as an insect hotel or wildlife stack) is a man-made structure that provides shelter for a variety of beneficial insects such as ladybirds, solitary bees and beetles. These tiny garden heroes play a big part in natural pest control and pollination.

Why Build a Bug Hotel?

Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and many insects are emerging from hibernation and looking for places to shelter, lay eggs or find food. A bug hotel offers a safe and cosy habitat. Especially important in urban and suburban gardens where natural refuges can be scarce.

The May half term is the perfect time to take on this project. As the weather is usually pleasant, there’s time to spare. It’s also a fantastic way to get children involved in hands-on learning about nature and sustainability.

What You’ll Need

The beauty of building a bug hotel is that you can make it almost entirely from natural or recycled materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Wooden pallets or old crates – these form the main structure.

• Bricks with holes, terracotta pots or bamboo canes – ideal for solitary bees.

• Dry leaves, bark, pine cones and straw – great for beetles, spiders and other ground-dwelling insects.

• Hollow plant stems and twigs – used by a variety of bugs to nest and hide.

• Corrugated cardboard or rolled-up paper – for lacewings and other pollinators.

• Hortiwool Garden Pads – yes, even wool can have a role here!

Using Hortiwool Garden Pads in Your Bug Hotel

You might be surprised to hear that Hortiwool Garden Pads can be a fantastic addition to your bug hotel. Made from natural British sheep’s wool, they provide excellent insulation and are perfect for mimicking the cosy crevices insects love. Simply cut the pads into smaller sections and tuck them into gaps in your structure.

The wool retains warmth and moisture, making it attractive to species like ladybirds and beetles. Because Hortiwool Garden Pads are biodegradable and chemical-free, they’re completely safe for wildlife. It’s another brilliant way of using wool in the garden sustainably and creatively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Bug Hotel

1. Choose a location – Ideally, a quiet, shady spot close to plants or trees. Somewhere protected from heavy rain and wind is best.

2. Start with the frame – Stack pallets, crates or bricks to form a tower. Secure each layer as you build upwards.

3. Fill the gaps – Use your gathered materials to fill the spaces, mixing textures and types to attract a diverse range of insects.

4. Add your Hortiwool – Place sections of the Hortiwool Garden Pads into nooks and crannies to create soft, insulated pockets.

5. Decorate if you wish – Paint a sign, add some child-made bug drawings, or pop in a small roof made from tiles or slate to keep it dry.

Enjoy the Buzz

Once complete, your bug hotel may not be occupied immediately, but with a bit of patience, you’ll soon notice it becoming a hub of activity. Keep an eye out for guests, and use it as an opportunity to learn more about the amazing insect life in your garden.

Why not document the process and share your May half term creation on social media? Tag @wearehortiwool and inspire others to give it a go. Whether your bug hotel is large and elaborate or small and simple, it’s a great way to connect with nature and make your garden more wildlife-friendly.