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How to Use Insect Hotels: Common Questions

Wondering how to use insect hotels and thinking about adding one to your garden? Incorporating an insect hotel in your garden is easier than you think, but it is important to understand the best way to add one.

What We Will Cover:

• Why would I want an insect hotel in my garden?
• Which kind of insect hotel is best?
• When is the best time to install an insect hotel in my garden?
• Where is the best place to put an insect hotel?
• What do I need to do once I’ve installed my insect hotel? Is there any maintenance? 
• What else can I do to attract beneficial insects and other forms of wildlife to my garden?

1. Why would I want an insect hotel in my garden?

Insect hotels typically attract solitary bees, including mason bees, leaf-cutter bees, lacewings, and more.

• Bees are an important part of any garden, as they pollinate the fruits, herbs, flowers, and vegetables we grow there.
• Solitary bees are harmless and not aggressive. They are often called “super pollinators” as they are very effective at pollination.
• Lacewings are best known for feasting on aphids but also help control mites, caterpillars, and whiteflies.

Learn more about how to attract beneficial insects to your garden in this guide.

2. Which kind of insect hotel is best?

• Look for insect hotels made from natural, untreated wood free from varnish, paint, and wood protectant. I use this one from Amazon.
• They should have a variety of hole sizes (small holes are best) to attract different species. 
• Several small holes are preferable to one large hotel. Larger hotels are more vulnerable to parasitic wasps and bees, according to J. Scott MacIvor. 
• They should have a sturdy back and a roof to protect them from rain.

3. When is the best time to install an insect hotel in my garden?

Put insect hotels in place in the early spring so the insects can nest after hibernation. Put them in place before temperatures rise above about 55°F (13°C) according to J.C.’s Wildlife.

4. Where is the best place to put an insect hotel?

• Insect hotels should face east or southeast to attract solitary bees. Full morning sun is best. 
• Place them 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters) above ground.
• The area in front should be free of plants and vegetation that would obscure the tunnel entrances. 
• Make sure it is mounted properly and remains stationary. It should not shake or move in windy conditions. 

5. What do I need to do once I’ve installed my insect hotel? Is there any maintenance? 

Inspect the hotels at the end of each summer for mold. You may also want to remove and replace tubes. 

Consider replacing the nesting blocks every couple of years to avoid mite and parasite buildup according to Marc Carlton.

6. What else can I do to attract beneficial insects and other forms of wildlife to my garden?

• Plant a variety of flowering herbs and flowers like alyssum and calendula that provide nectar and pollen to attract pollinators.
• Don’t use pesticides.
• Create space for other garden beneficials like toads, bats, and owls.
• Learn how to attract ladybugs to your garden in this guide.
• Cleaning up decaying plant matter can help manage roly poly infestations. Learn more about how to get rid of pill bugs in this guide.
• Support pollinators with the right plants and placement. Find out what works in Planting for Pollinators: Create a Simple Insectary Border in Your Garden.

Want to learn more about creating a pollinator-friendly garden? Read Perennials for Pollinators in Your Desert Garden for tips on supporting local wildlife and promoting a healthy garden ecosystem.

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