Wildlife World Dewdrop Bee and Bug Hotel

£22.99 £16.99 SAVE 26%

The Wildlife World Dewdrop Bee and Bug Hotel provides nesting tubes for solitary bees and shelter for other beneficial insects in your garden.  Solitary bees are wonderful pollinators of fruit, veg...

Add to Wishlist

apple paygoogle paymaestromasterpaypalshopify payvisa
Ask a Question
SKU: DEWIH
Availability : In Stock Pre order Out of stock
Description
The Wildlife World Dewdrop Bee and Bug Hotel provides nesting tubes for solitary bees and shelter for other beneficial insects in your garden. 

Solitary bees are wonderful pollinators of fruit, veg and flowers in your garden, and as they don’t live in colonies or make honey, they are non-aggressive and safe around pets and children.

The Dewdrop Bee & Bug Hotel is made from timber with a decorative woven bamboo finish around the Dewdrop's sides. The centre contains bamboo nesting tubes & a pretty aqua blue drilled log ideal for solitary bee nesting. The paint may be topped up with a water-based shade to maintain its appearance. No chemicals have been used in the construction of this habitat.

The Dewdrop Butterfly/Insect habitat should be hung in a sheltered sunny position, preferably catching some early morning sun which will warm the emerging adult bees when they hatch out in Springtime.

Dimensions

230 x 140 x 135mm

Benefits of Solitary Bees in Your Garden

Solitary bees are crucial to the ecosystem, especially in our gardens. Understanding their impact can help you appreciate the value of inviting these beneficial insects into your space with structures like the Insect Hotel.

Solitary bees are exceptional pollinators, often more efficient than their more famous relatives, the honeybees. Unlike honeybees, solitary bees tend to visit more flowers in less time, which leads to better pollination. This increased pollination rate significantly enhances your garden's productivity, leading to healthier and more abundant blooms and an increased yield of fruits and vegetables. Their activities ensure that your garden is more vibrant and fruitful, essential for maintaining biodiversity.

Eco-Friendly Pest Control

In addition to improving pollination, attracting solitary bees to your garden helps control pests naturally. These bees contribute to a balanced ecosystem by supporting various plant and insect species. This biodiversity is crucial for reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, which can harm the environment and its creatures. 

supporting bees with bug hotel
bee bug insect hotel for sale online

Ideal Placement and Installation Tips for Your Insect Hotel

Ensuring your insect hotel is correctly installed and optimally placed is crucial for attracting solitary bees and other beneficial insects. Follow these guidelines to maximise the effectiveness and longevity of your insect hotel.

Choose the Right Location: Position your insect hotel facing southeast to catch the early morning sun, which is essential for warming the bees. Ensure the location is sheltered from prevailing winds and heavy rain to keep the interior dry and habitable.

Height from the Ground: Hang the insect hotel 1 to 2 meters above the ground. This height helps protect the inhabitants from many ground predators and makes it easier to observe the bees at work.

Stable Mounting: Secure the insect hotel firmly against a flat surface to prevent swaying, which could discourage insects from nesting. A stable environment is crucial for the breeding and hatching of solitary bees.

Seasonal Placement Tips

Spring and Summer: Ensure the insect hotel is not obstructed by vegetation as plants grow. Bees and other insects need clear access for entry and exit. Consider the growth of nearby plants and trim as necessary.

Autumn and Winter: During colder months, consider adding additional shelter, like positioning it behind a barrier or slightly relocating it to a spot less exposed to severe weather. This can help maintain the structure’s integrity and protect its inhabitants from extreme conditions.

Yearly Maintenance: At the end of each season, check the hotel for any signs of wear or damage and perform necessary repairs. This maintenance ensures the hotel remains attractive and functional for the next season.

How to Attract More Insects to Your Hotel

Enhancing your garden to attract more beneficial insects to your insect hotel involves more than just providing the hotel itself. Implementing supportive garden practices and adding specific complementary features can significantly increase the number and variety of beneficial bugs that occupy residences. Here are some practical tips to make your insect hotel a bustling hub for helpful garden insects.

Optimise Your Garden Environment

Diverse Planting: Cultivate various plants that flower at different times of the year to provide a continuous food source for insects. Include native species which are particularly attractive to local bees and beneficial insects. Plants like lavender, sunflowers, and marigolds are excellent for attracting bees, while herbs such as dill and fennel attract a wide range of beneficial insects.

Water Sources: Add small water features or a shallow birdbath with stones for insects to land on. These provide essential drinking spots for insect visitors and make your garden more inviting and supportive.

Natural Materials: Incorporate natural garden elements such as piles of logs, leaves, and stones. These can offer additional nesting sites and hiding places for various insects, enhancing the habitat complexity of your garden.

Use Complementary Products

Supplementary Feeders: Install supplementary feeders with sugars and salts to attract a broader range of insects, especially during the peak of summer when resources might be scarce.

Pheromone Attractants: Consider using pheromone attractants to help draw in specific types of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators of many common garden pests.

Maintain an Insect-Friendly Garden

Avoid Pesticides: Reduce or eliminate chemical pesticides in your garden. These can harm beneficial insects as well as pests. Opt for natural pest control methods and encourage biological control by maintaining a healthy population of beneficial insects.

Regular Checks: Regularly check and maintain your insect hotel to ensure it remains a safe and attractive environment. This includes cleaning out old nesting materials if they become mouldy or overly compacted and ensuring the structure is secure.

Receive our latest products & special offers