(more detailed instructions and background info below graphic)

Bugs often get a bad rap—branded as “creepy crawlies” and dismissed as pests. But in reality, they are some of the most essential players in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems. They pollinate plants, decompose organic matter, and control pest populations. Without them, entire ecosystems would unravel.
Pollinators are nature's wingmen: bees and butterflies ensure plant reproduction, directly affecting food supply and biodiversity. Ladybugs and ground beetles serve as natural pest regulators, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Meanwhile, decomposers like worms and woodlice break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients and enriching the soil. These creatures don’t just exist alongside us—they make life as we know it possible.
One simple way to support these unsung heroes is by constructing a bug hotel.
Building your own bug hotel is an easy and sustainable way to encourage biodiversity. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose natural and recycled materials. Follow these steps to create one in your own backyard!
What You’ll Need:
Wooden box, crate, or an old drawer (or stack of bricks or pallets to form a frame)
Bamboo canes, small PVC pipes, hollow stems, or drilled logs (for solitary bees)
Twigs, bark, and leaves (for beetles and spiders)
Straw and dried grass (for ladybugs and lacewings)
Pinecones (for shelter and insulation)
Clay or mud (for certain burrowing insects)
Old bricks with holes or broken pots (for extra crevices)
Chicken wire (optional, to keep materials from falling out)
Instructions:
Choose a Location: Find a quiet, undisturbed area in your yard, garden, or balcony. A shaded spot near flowers or trees will attract pollinators and provide a comfortable habitat.
Build a Frame: Use a wooden box, an old drawer, or stack bricks and logs to create the structure. A good size is at least 12 inches wide and 8 inches deep, but feel free to adjust as needed.
Fill the Spaces: Arrange different materials to cater to a variety of insects:
Bundle bamboo canes together and place them horizontally for solitary bees.
Pile pinecones and dried leaves for ladybugs and beetles.
Stack logs or bricks with holes to accommodate burrowing insects.
Add straw and dried grass to create cozy hiding spaces.
Secure the Materials: If necessary, use chicken wire or twine to keep loose materials in place while still allowing insects to move freely.
Let Nature Take Over: Once your bug hotel is built, leave it undisturbed. Over time, insects will settle in and make it their home.
How Your Bug Hotel Helps the Planet
Building a bug hotel isn’t just about providing shelter—it’s about actively supporting biodiversity. Pollinators will find safe spaces to rest and continue their crucial work of fertilizing plants. Natural predators will have a home, helping to maintain a balanced insect population. Decomposers will keep organic material cycling through the ecosystem, improving soil health and plant growth.
Insects are the backbone of the food chain, providing sustenance for birds, amphibians, and small mammals. A decline in their population has ripple effects throughout entire ecosystems. But by offering them refuge—even in a small backyard—you’re making a meaningful impact on ecological stability.
So, why not take action? Build a bug hotel, support biodiversity, and contribute to a healthier planet. Let us know how your project turns out by submitting a picture of your hotel and a brief description of its guests to the CPJ Journal!
Comments