Bug hotels are a fantastic way to attract wild bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects to your garden while providing them with a safe shelter. However, to ensure the bug hotel serves its purpose effectively, choosing the right location is crucial. Here’s what you need to consider when setting up a bug hotel.
1. Sunny and dry: the ideal location
For wild bees and other insects to use the bug hotel, a sunny and sheltered spot is essential. Ideally, the location should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Why? Sun exposure helps keep the wooden structure and nesting holes dry, preventing mold growth and creating a comfortable environment for insects.
Best locations:
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Facing south or southeast, against a house wall or fence
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Near flowering plants but without dense vegetation blocking the entrances
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Under a roof overhang or with a small cover to protect against rain
2. The right height for a bug hotel
A bug hotel should not be placed directly on the ground, as it could be affected by moisture, mold, or predators like ants or hedgehogs.
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Recommended height: At least 50 cm to 1.5 meters above ground
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Attachment: Securely fixed to a wall or a stable post to prevent movement
A stable bug hotel provides security for its inhabitants and ensures it won’t topple over in strong winds or storms.
3. Wind protection with a clear flight path
Insects need an unobstructed approach to their nesting holes. Avoid placing the hotel behind dense bushes or tall grasses that could block their access. At the same time, the location should offer some protection from strong winds. A nearby hedge or house wall can provide this shelter.
Ideal conditions:
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Some protection from strong winds
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A clear approach to the entrance holes
4. Flowering plants as a nearby food source
Even the best bug hotel is of little use if no food is available nearby. Flowering plants are essential for wild bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Best companion plants:
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Wildflowers like poppies, cornflowers, and daisies
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Herbs like lavender, thyme, and sage
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Early bloomers like crocuses and snowdrops for the first food sources of the year
The more diverse the flowers, the more attractive your garden will be to insects!
5. Bug hotel in winter: should it stay outside?
Yes! A bug hotel should remain outside all year round, as many insects overwinter inside the nesting tubes. If you need to move the hotel, do so very carefully to avoid disturbing the larvae and pupae inside.
The perfect spot for your bug hotel
Key takeaways:
✔ Sunny location (at least 6 hours of sunlight)
✔ Sheltered from wind and rain, with a clear flight path
✔ At least 50 cm above the ground, securely attached
✔ Close to flowering plants
✔ Leave outside all year round
By placing your bug hotel in the right spot, you’ll create a valuable habitat for beneficial insects and actively support biodiversity in your garden. Enjoy your insect-friendly garden!
