Why aren’t there any insects in my insect hotel?

Insect hotels have become a popular garden addition for those who want local wildlife to thrive. Whether you’ve got a large, landscaped yard or a balcony garden - these cosy hideaways provide habitats for various beneficial insects, including bees, butterflies and their prey.

If you’re wondering why your insect hotel is vacant, there are several possibilities and ways to help attract insects to the inn.

Finding a good quality insect hotel...

One major issue with insect hotels, and certainly other wildlife products on the market today, is the use of chemicals in their construction. Cheaply made insect hotels often contain treated wood and synthetic materials that can be harmful to insects. These chemicals deter insects from taking up residence, defeating the purpose of the hotel.

To ensure your insect hotel is safe and inviting, it’s essential to opt for higher quality products. For example, our Dewdrop Bee & Bug Hotel is made with sustainable materials like bamboo and contains zero chemicals. This eco-friendly design not only attracts a variety of insects but also supports their health and well-being. We have many more available in our online shop.

Tips for a successful insect hotel...

Location

The placement of your insect hotel is key. Ensure it’s in a low-traffic area of your garden, away from constant human activity that might disturb the insects. Depending on the type of insects you’re trying to attract, the location should generally be out of direct sunlight. Bees, on the other hand, prefer sunny spots, while other insects, like ground beetles, thrive in shaded areas.

Protection from predators and weather

Position your insect hotel away from potential predators and harsh weather conditions. Place it at least a few feet off the ground to protect it from small mammals and flooding, and ensure it’s sheltered from heavy rain and strong winds.

Get to know your local insects

Understanding the types of insects common in your area is vital to their survival. Take part in activities like the Big Butterfly Count to track insects and their populations. This data can help you cater to the specific needs of local insects, ensuring your hotel is a welcoming habitat. For example, if you find that you have more butterflies in your garden, you may wish to add more hotels designed for butterflies, plant larval food plants, and try leaving fallen fruit on the ground to provide a food source for adults.

If you have observed a low count of a certain insect in your garden, it’s possible to increase the population with tweaks to suit that insect, but it is not guaranteed. There are many reasons why a species might avoid certain areas, some of which can be out of your control. The best way to invite insects into your garden is to create a biodiverse space with lots of plants for pollinators, shelter and food for moths, birds and other insects and plenty of places for them to hide such as log piles.

Cater to a variety

While many people focus on attracting bees, it’s important to provide habitats for a range of insects in order to increase the biodiversity in your garden. Different species require different types of shelters. By offering a mix of materials and structures, you can hope to attract insects like solitary bees, ladybugs, lacewings and more.

Check up on your guests

Regularly check your insect hotel for signs of occupancy and make sure it remains clean and in good condition, but remember not to disturb it too much. Remove any debris or spider webs that might block entry points, and avoid knocking or jiggling the hotel in the process. Insects generally don’t like to be disturbed, and if they find that their habitat feels unsafe, they may not return.

What to do next...

Insect hotels not only support biodiversity but also provide fascinating opportunities to observe and learn about these essential creatures. If your insect hotel isn't working, it might be due to factors that are easily corrected. Try the recommended tweaks that we’ve detailed above - with a little work, you can create a thriving habitat for beneficial insects in your garden!