How to Build a Simple Bee Hotel

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Construct a sturdy, open-frame bee hotel using scraps of lumber and natural materials. This project supports local biodiversity and provides habitat for solitary bees without the need for complex tools or expensive supplies.

What you need

• Scrap lumber (untreated)
• Lightweight plywood
• Wood blocks or logs
• Bamboo, reeds, or plastic tubing
• Natural fillers (bark, pinecones, hay)
• Drill and bits (1/8" to 1/2")
• Sandpaper

Steps

1. Build a frame roughly 8 inches by 12 inches with a depth of 6 to 8 inches using untreated lumber scraps. Enclose the back with lightweight plywood, leaving the front open. Attach a sloped roof that extends at least 2 inches over the front to shield the interior from rain. You can leave the wood unfinished, paint it, or seal it, though chemical treatments may deter bees for a few weeks.
2. Drill holes into wood blocks or logs to create rooms. Use diameters ranging from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch. For larger holes (1/4 inch or greater), drill 5 to 6 inches deep. For smaller holes (1/8 to 1/4 inch), drill 3 to 5 inches deep. Space the holes 1/2 to 3/4 inch apart. Sand the openings smooth to remove sharp splinters. You can also insert bamboo, hollow reeds, or plastic tubing cut to the length of the blocks.
3. Add additional natural materials like bark, stones, pinecones, or cardboard tubes to attract other beneficial insects. Mount the structure on a fence post, exterior wall, or other vertical surface. Position it chest-high and facing south to catch the morning sun. Avoid placing it in deep shade to prevent attracting wasps. Remove old nesting material annually to stop disease transmission.

Notes

Sources offer mixed advice on construction details. While one source focuses primarily on wood and bamboo, another suggests drilling into various materials and using mesh or screens to keep fillers from falling out. There is also disagreement on whether to start small; one guide implies this while the other does not mention size constraints.

Why it works

Why Build One?

Bee hotels help increase biodiversity in landscaped areas and provide natural habitat in environments where wild spaces are diminishing. They can reduce the need for pesticides by supporting biological pest control. Additionally, they serve as an educational tool for children learning about ecosystem balance.

Material Considerations

Rotting bark and damp areas in the hotel may attract centipedes, while rotting logs can attract wood-boring beetles. Cardboard tubes and egg cartons tend to attract larger flying insects. Ensure the roof slope is sufficient to prevent excess water from entering the nesting chambers.

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If it goes wrong

Dealing with Deterrence

If you paint or seal the wooden frame, be aware that chemicals may keep bees away for several weeks. Using untreated scraps is generally safer for immediate occupancy.

Preventing Disease

Old nesting material can harbor pathogens. It is crucial to remove and replace old rooms every year to prevent disease transmission between bee generations.