This bug house uses some easily found natural materials, such as bamboo canes, pieces of wood, twigs and plant stems, to provide a range of homes for lots of different invertebrates. This project is perfect for making with kids. Start with a search for suitable branches and twigs, and then make your bug house to suit the materials available. Materials that are sourced in the location where you intend to site your box are likely to be attractive to suitable inhabitants.
A vast number of invertebrates, including spiders, ladybugs, solitary bees and beetle larvae will find the wood and plant-stem tunnels irresistible and quickly make nests or hibernate in them.
Species to expect
This bug house might become occupied by:
UK species – wood-boring beetle larvae, spiders, ladybugs (right), lacewings, solitary bee species (including leafcutter, mason, sweat, wool-carding and carpenter bees).
US species – wood-boring beetle larvae, spiders, ladybugs, lacewings, solitary bee species (including leafcutter, mason, sweat, wool-carding and carpenter bees).
Materials needed
Softwood or hardwood timber
Mini-logs
Bamboo canes
Felt
Adhesive
Cutting list
Sides 81?2 x 41?2in (216 x 114mm)
Top 5 x 41?2in (127 x 114mm)
Base 5 x 6in (127 x 150mm)
Roof block 8 x 5 x 23?4in (205 x 127 x 70mm)
10. Here you need to cut the felt for the roof to size.
This is an extract from Bird, Bee and Bug Houses by Derek Jones (Published by Guild of Master Craftsman)
Further resources
Bird, Bee and Bug Houses by Derek Jones for just £11.99 from our Green Shopping site
Sun hives and the conservation of the honey bee
Designing a wildlife garden and eating it too!
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