Why Build a Bee Hotel?

Before we dive into the how, let’s quickly revisit the why. Solitary bees—like mason bees and leafcutter bees—don’t live in hives. Instead, they nest in small holes, such as in wood, plant stems, or hollow reeds. Unfortunately, urban development and habitat loss have made these natural nesting spots harder to find. A bee hotel gives these gentle pollinators a safe place to rest and raise their young.

Materials You’ll Need

The best part about building a bee hotel is that it doesn’t require fancy tools or expensive supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A Container: This will serve as the “frame” of your bee hotel. It could be an old wooden box, a section of untreated wood, or even a sturdy can or flowerpot.

• Hollow Materials: These will act as the nesting tubes for the bees. You can use bamboo canes, hollow plant stems, paper straws (no plastic!), or drilled holes in wood.

• Backing Material: If your container is open on one end, you’ll need a sturdy backing (like a piece of wood) to keep the tubes in place.

• Something to Secure It: Glue, nails, or twine can be used to hold your materials together.

• Optional Decorations: Keep it natural! Avoid paint, varnish, or anything that could be harmful to the bees.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Choose Your Container

The first step is to decide what you’ll use for your bee hotel’s structure. A sturdy, weatherproof container works best. It should be at least 6 inches deep and open on one side. If you’re using a wooden box or can, make sure it’s untreated to avoid chemicals that might harm the bees.

Prepare Your Nesting Tubes

Cut your hollow materials (bamboo, plant stems, etc.) into pieces that fit snugly inside your container. Each piece should be around 4–6 inches long. If you’re drilling holes in wood, make sure the holes are smooth, at least 3 inches deep, and between 1/8 to 1/2 inch wide.

Pro Tip: Bees like variety! Use different sizes of tubes to attract a wider range of solitary bee species.

Assemble Your Bee Hotel

Arrange your nesting tubes tightly inside your container, with the open ends facing out. There should be no gaps—bees like their homes snug and secure. If your container is open-ended, attach a backing to one side to hold the nesting tubes in place.

Choose the Perfect Spot

Location is key! Place your bee hotel in a sunny spot, ideally facing south or southeast, where it will stay warm and dry. Make sure it’s sheltered from heavy rain and wind. You can mount your hotel on a wall, fence, or sturdy post, about 3–6 feet off the ground.

Pro Tip: Don’t place your bee hotel near flowering plants that are treated with pesticides. Bees are sensitive to chemicals, so it’s best to keep their environment as natural as possible.

Maintain Your Bee Hotel

To keep your bee hotel safe and healthy for its residents, you’ll need to clean and maintain it. At the end of the season (fall or winter), remove and replace any nesting tubes that have become moldy or damaged. This helps prevent the spread of disease and keeps your bee hotel welcoming for future guests.

Extra Tips for Success

• Add a Roof: If your container doesn’t have a top, consider adding a small overhang to help keep rain out.

• Keep It Dry: Moisture can lead to mold, which is harmful to bees. Make sure your hotel stays as dry as possible.

• Be Patient: It might take some time for bees to discover your hotel. Once they do, you’ll get to enjoy watching these tiny pollinators come and go.

Why Your Bee Hotel Matters

By building a bee hotel, you’re creating a safe haven for solitary bees in a world where their natural habitats are disappearing. These small but mighty pollinators play a huge role in keeping flowers blooming, gardens thriving, and food on our plates. Your simple DIY project could help an entire generation of bees grow strong and healthy.

Ready to Get Started?

Building a bee hotel is a fun and rewarding way to connect with nature while making a real difference for pollinators. Whether you’re a student, a gardener, or simply someone who loves bees, this project is perfect for you. So gather your materials, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a home that’s buzzing with life!

Happy building!

Want more tips on supporting pollinators? Check out our resources for more ideas and inspiration.