You’ve got a bug hotel. But where are all the bugs? A well-placed bug hotel should be buzzing with life, but if yours is sitting empty, chances are it’s in the wrong spot. Don’t worry, though: we’ve got the guide you need for putting your bug hotel somewhere it can turn into a proper five-star insect retreat.
So, where is the best place for a bug hotel? Read this guide to learn more!
Best places for a bug hotel
Bugs aren’t picky, but they are practical. They need a spot that offers shelter, food, and the right microclimate to feel at home.
Somewhere near flowering plants and shrubs
Flowering plants and shrubs provide the food and shelter all insects need. Bees, ladybirds, and lacewings all rely on pollen, nectar, and small insects found around these plants. Placing your bug hotel close to a variety of flowers encourages visitors and supports their natural lifecycle; if your bug hotel is hung from a wall without any flowers around it, for example, then bugs won’t even be there in the first place to discover the thing.
Being so close to flowers also means that the bugs actually using your hotel don’t have to travel far to find food, which is important for obvious reasons. So pick a spot with plenty of blooms and leafy cover nearby to invite guests inside!
Somewhere with both sunshine and shade
Bugs love a balance of warmth and coolness. A spot that gets morning sun but has shade in the afternoon works well, as it helps regulate temperature. Too much sun can dry out the hotel, making it uncomfortable or even lethal for residents. On the other hand, too much shade can keep it damp and cold.
Somewhere up off the ground
Raising your bug hotel slightly off the ground helps keep it dry and safe from predators. Having it on the ground means that if it rains, its underside gets damp and stays damp; this can rot the wood, or even attract predators like frogs that might raid the hotel for a snack. That’s the last thing you want (unless you’re a big frog fan).
Somewhere sheltered from strong winds
Bugs don’t like windy weather: they’re so small that even a light breeze can stop them getting from A to B. And depending what your bug hotel is made from – often a light material like bamboo – stiffer winds can even knock them over, which isn’t ideal for the bugs inside! Find a location that offers natural windbreaks, such as near hedges, fences, or walls.
What to avoid
Just as important as the right spot is avoiding the wrong one. Here’s where you shouldn’t put a bug hotel.
Somewhere that gets damp
Bug hotels need some moisture, but too much dampness is a problem. Placing the hotel in a spot where water collects (like under a dripping gutter) will make it grow mould and mushrooms, as well as attract unwanted pests like slugs.
Somewhere with heavy foot traffic
You also don’t want to place the hotel anywhere that people or pets are regularly walking, for the simple reason that you don’t want it to get knocked over. You’re also more likely to get bugs taking up residence if it’s in a spot where they aren’t going to be disturbed, either by you walking by, or by a cat or dog trying to get at the insects inside.
Using pesticides/insecticides nearby
This should be a given, but don’t place the bug hotel anywhere that it might come into contact with pesticide. If you’re regularly spraying your roses with something to kill aphids, for example, then that won’t be good for any nearby bug hotels. Either keep the hotel somewhere else – not downwind, at least – or use natural means to keep insects away from your prize flowers or veg instead.
How to put up a bug hotel
Getting your bug hotel set up just right makes all the difference. Find a sturdy spot on a wall, fence, or post about waist height. Make sure it’s steady and level so it won’t wobble or topple over when the wind blows. Aim the entrance towards the morning sun, ideally southeast, to warm up the residents without roasting them, and once it’s in place, keep an eye on it now and then. Clear out any blockages or old soggy leaves so your new insect neighbours always have a nice place to spend the night.
Have a garden to be proud of with Green Feathers
Creating a welcoming home for bugs is easier with the right kit. Green Feathers offers a range of beautifully made bug hotels designed to attract all kinds of beneficial insects. We even stock hotels for specific bugs, like ladybird houses, butterfly houses, and solitary bee hives. Take a look through our collection today and give your bug friends a place they’ll love and a garden you’ll be proud of.
