Bee bricks
Consider these important features to ensure all your tiny tenants enjoy a cozy and functional stay!
A south-facing spot is best, as it gives the rooms a little extra warmth—a must-have for bees during cooler months. Aim for a height of 1 to 1.5 meters from the ground so you can easily watch over your buzzing guests and do some seasonal maintenance.
Garden Views and Room Service
Like any good hotel, you should offer nearby dining options. Solitary bees need plenty of flowers within their short foraging range (often just a few hundred meters), so aim to have a variety of blooms nearby to provide pollen and nectar year-round.
If you don’t have a garden, a few potted plants on a balcony or in window boxes will still make a big difference.
Bee Clean
To keep your bee hotel buzzing with happy guests, a little annual housekeeping is key!
Before spring, gently clean out old nesting materials and any leftover debris. Keep an eye out for any uninvited guests like pollen mites. With a little care, your bee hotel will be fully booked in no time!
The Waiting Game: Be Patient for Buzzing Guests to Check In
Don’t worry if your hotel doesn’t have any occupants right away.
It may take a season for bees to find your hotel and settle in. By late summer, you’ll know you’ve got residents if you see tubes sealed with dried mud or leaves—this is a clear sign that eggs have been laid, and baby bees are on the way. However, don’t be disappointed if your hotel gets some extra tenants like woodlice or ground beetles!
Ready to Open for Business?
Setting up a Hotel is a rewarding way to help local bee populations, promote pollination, and bring some buzzing excitement to your backyard. Plus, it’s a great way to observe these fascinating pollinators up close. Whether you’re adding a small setup to your balcony or going all out with a deluxe resort in the garden, every hotel makes a difference!
bee Guests
