Build a Bee Hotel
This week we look at what it takes to build a bee hotel. Readers learned why bees are important and how we can help save them a few weeks ago. Missed the bee post? Visit here.
Preparation
In order to prepare for this DIY project, Country Fox spent a good bit of time on Pinterest. I searched for bee hotels, bee houses, bug houses and so on. There were so many suggestions on how to build them. Suggestions abound on materials and design plans. There were big hotels and tiny hotels.
Country Fox scrolled through, read the suggestions and began to envision the type of bee hotel she was going to build.
Supplies
After I had an idea of what I wanted the hotel to look like it was time to visit the shed. Much to my husbands annoyance, I keep scraps of wood. Scraps that would normally not be useful. But then moments like this arrive and we can all agree that I was right.
After some searching and sorting I found a few pieces that would work for this project. I gathered a tape measure, square, circular saw, staple gun, a chainsaw, nails, shingles, a log, hollow bamboo sticks, twigs and branches.
Some assembly required…
We did not have any specific plans or diagrams to follow. Once we saw which pieces of wood were available, we were able to assess the situation. We found pieces of wood similar in size. Then we decided on a size and layout based around the wood scraps we had available.
We used the tape measure and square to create two sides the same size. Once marked we used the circular saw to trim off the unwanted pieces. We then measured, marked and cut pieces for the top and bottom.
The wood piece for the back was measured and cut next. After all the pieces were cut, assembly began.
Nails were used to secure the pieces of wood together. After a few minutes, we had a box assembled.
When building a bee hotel, you need to include an overhanging roof. This keeps the living space protected from the elements. After this, we added a couple shingles to help weather proof the roof.
Interior Design for Bees
Mason bees and other solitary bees come in various sizes. Therefore, we needed to drill various size holes. Using a chainsaw Jason cut a log into three pieces all about the same length. We then used a hand drill to drill holes into each log.
The logs were placed inside the bee hotel. I purchased some hollow bamboo tubes from the internet and used these as additional bee holes. I then wandered around the property and found a bunch of twigs and branches. They were cut to length and placed inside. The twigs provide space for other small insects like lady bugs to nest.
Once the bee hotel was complete, it was time to place it. We chose a spot in our yard that is away from the house. It is in the same place that we are beginning to re-wild and make bee friendly changes. As these changes begin to really become noticeable, I will post some pictures.
Want to build a bee hotel?
Have I interested you in building yourself a bee hotel? Treehugger.com has some good suggestions. Modernfarmer.com also has some good info on size and depth.