Cool crafts

Build a
bug hotel

Help insects feel welcome with this super-simple handmade home

You will need

A weatherproof pot or container (a flowerpot is ideal)
Hollow sticks like bamboo or dried hollow stems
Twigs, bark, straw, leaves and moss (remember to only use things you find that have fallen off plants and trees naturally – don’t pick or damage plants)

Step one

Stand the pot upright and cut the hollow sticks into lengths that are the same height as the pot. If you haven’t got a flowerpot like this one you could use a big yoghurt pot or even an old mug.

Step two

Slot the hollow sticks into the pot but don’t fill it completely.

Step three

Fill the gaps with other natural material you can find like twigs, bits of bark, leaves, moss or pine cones. Make sure the pot’s tightly packed so the sticks don’t fall out when you lie it on its side.

Step four

Find a quiet, sheltered spot outside and put the pot on its side. After a few days you can watch your bug hotel to see if you have any new guests coming in and out. Remember not to touch or move the pot so you don’t disturb anything living there.