How to build an easy bug house with kids? 2 great projects for this holiday season.
Photo by Eva Bronzini
Find out everything you need to know about building an easy bug house with kids for this summer.
We must emphasize that no matter how ugly they look, these little creatures are still an important part of our ecosystem. That is why it is very important to welcome them and encourage biodiversity in our gardens and allotments. Building an easy bug house with kids for this summer is a great thing because it’s the best way to learn about the natural world, get outside and do something good for the environment.
Building an easy bug house with kids – a quick step-by-step guide
Project No. 1
Required material:
- cardboard (corrugated if possible)
- hollowed out branches, reads, or logs
- leaves
- pieces of bark
- pots
- rolled-up paper
- toilet paper rolls
- twigs
- wood chips
Step-by-step guide:
Step No. 1
The most important thing is to make a permanent and durable construction that will withstand all weather conditions. You can make a wooden box from scrap wood yourself, or use a pre-made wooden crate, both options will work well. In the absence of materials and inspiration, you could even use a planting pot tipped on its side.
Step No. 2
Once you have decided on the type of structure you want to build, it’s time to gather all the necessary materials. You can even add mini pots from the dollar store or some plastic or glass containers or toilet paper rolls to create extra mini compartments. If you want to attract solitary bees to your yard, this is a great option that guarantees success.
Also, keep in mind that a big rock can help break up the space. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to make sure you give your new friends plenty of little hiding places to set up their homes.
Step No. 3
When it comes to building an easy bug house with kids for this summer, creativity is a quality that plays a major role. Therefore, don’t hesitate, but let your imagination run free.
You may not be able to get everything perfect the first time, you may have to arrange and rearrange the materials several times before everything is just right, but put in as much time and effort as necessary because it really pays off.
That would be it, it’s that simple!
Project No. 2
Required material:
- plastic bottle
- scissors
- garden twine
- pine cones (optional)
Step-by-step guide:
Step No. 1
This option is ideal for those who don’t want to invest too much time and effort, so let’s find out what it takes to easily make a hotel for bugs. All you need is a plastic bottle that you will cut to your liking. You can cut it into several parts, or cut only one, the central part of the bottle.
Step No. 2
Then, it’s time to arrange the broken branches that you collected, and you can also use pine cones. In addition, consider the location where you will keep your bug hotel. If you plan to hang it, don’t forget to loop some garden twine around it.
We practice making both options, the one for standing on the ground and the one for hanging from a tree so that we can attract different types of these interesting creatures. Lastly, make sure it’s nice and tight so it doesn’t get blown about!
To conclude
Building an easy bug house with kids for this summer is an excellent form of entertainment. Consider it a good investment because you’ll be spending time outside teaching your kids about nature, while also providing a safe haven for wildlife and helping to recycle waste from your garden. What more could you want?
Do you have any suggestions for building a bug hotel? We’re looking for new ideas and would love to know, so leave us a comment below.
Author BIO
Tony Manhart is the founder and editor-in-chief at Gardeningdream. Tony’s enthusiasm and rich experience in all things related to growing plants have led him to share his knowledge with gardening aficionados all over the world. When he is not working around his garden, Tony spends his time writing tips and tricks on various subjects related to plant cultivation and soil maintenance.