Every day there are more and more signs that colder months are approaching, and in light of our recent post on insect hibernation...
... I thought I would go one extra step and prepare those little garden gurus a nice house to keep them warm.
Over the summer there were quite a few strong stoms which resulted in a number of downed trees near where I live. So, in keeping with the way a forest ecosystem usually takes care of such things, it seemed rather fitting that one section of said trees should become an insect hotel.
Designed to attract and house many different little critters from ladybugs to butterflies and bees, I first drilled lots of varying sized holes in the cut part of the log and painted it red to lure in some lovely ladybugs. Different hole sizes attract different kinds of bees and beetles, so in addition to drilling holes on the flat section of the log...
... I also drilled holes in the sides to make more nesting spots.
Then, using some wire mesh...
... recycled cans, straw, sticks and leaves I filled in the voids at the bottom of the log. The mesh keeps the leaves in place so bugs can move around inside and make their homes without displacing material, and the sticks make great places for critters to hide when stacked together (see photo near top of page).
Now all I have to do is wait for them to move in...
Feeling inspired?
Take a look at these amazing architect designed bug hotels!
But remember, they can be as simple as a couple of bricks and some straw too, and there are even beautiful ready made hotels like this one here if you are short on time and materials.
Happy Friday!
~Sarah
P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a beautifully illustrated book of classic fairytales too!
