We are starting to get our garden sorted out, and looking for ways to invite beneficial insects into it. So we decided to make a bug hotel, so they would have to somewhere nice to stay.
Things you will need:
Untreated wood – we used wood from old pallets -make sure you use safe ones.
Galvanised screws
Bamboo stakes
Drill and various sized drill bits
Drill- or screwdriver
Circular saw that cuts at 90° and 45° angles
Tape measure
Instructions:
Cut a square base for your bug hotel. Cut 3 sides for your but hotel. The two side should be cut with a 45° angle at the top. The back should be cut with a 45° point at the top. Cut two squares for the roof with one side each at a 45° angle. Predrill holes with a drill and then assemble the bug hotel using screws.
Drill holes in and attach wooden blocks in hotel with screws. Cut bamboo stakes into regular short lengths and insert into bug hotel.
What the kids can do:
I did anything involving power tools, though Miss 5 did help pull the trigger of the drill driver to put some screws in. For the blocks, Miss 5 drew pictures on them and drew dots to indicate where I should drill holes. We ended up with a monster, a cat, a frog, and a pattern. Miss 5 also helped putting the bamboo lengths into their spaces.
Keeping Them Occupied 