Bee & Insect Hotel - XXL

The Bee & Insect Hotel - XXL is a large, freestanding insect habitat designed for wildlife conservation areas, parks, visitor sites, schools, public spaces and larger gardens. Its size and varied internal materials provide nesting and shelter opportunities for solitary bees, solitary wasps, ladybirds and other small insects.

The exterior frame is made from FSC® wood, with a roof constructed from exterior FSC®-certified plywood and roofing felt to help keep the internal habitat sections dry. The interior contains a mix of bamboo, birch logs and limestone, providing a variety of hole sizes and materials to suit different insect species.

This insect hotel is supplied with legs, screws and pre-drilled holes for assembly on site. The legs are treated with a protective rubber seal at the base to help increase durability where they meet the ground.

Key Features

• Large freestanding insect hotel for conservation and public-space projects
• Suitable for solitary bees, solitary wasps, ladybirds and other small insects
• Made with FSC® wood and exterior FSC®-certified plywood
• Roof covered with roofing felt to help protect the habitat sections from rain
• Interior includes bamboo, birch logs and limestone
• Provides a variety of nesting cavities and shelter spaces
• Supplied with legs, screws and pre-drilled holes for installation
• Leg bases treated with a protective rubber seal for improved longevity
• Finished with a clear water-based varnish
• Suitable for parks, schools, visitor centres, wildlife areas and large gardens

Specifications

• Species Group: Insects
• Suitable Species: Solitary bees, solitary wasps, ladybirds and other small insects
• Material: FSC® wood, spruce wood, exterior FSC®-certified plywood, bamboo, birch logs and limestone
• Outer Dimensions: 1000 x 2500 x 400mm
• Weight: Approximately 68.5kg
• Colour: Mixed natural materials

Siting

Place the insect hotel in a sunny position, ideally close to flowering plants and nectar-rich habitat. Where possible, the front of the hotel should face south to provide warm nesting conditions for solitary bees and other insects.

Before installation, attach the legs using the supplied screws and pre-drilled holes. Dig two holes approximately 50cm deep, position the hotel, and backfill around the legs. The section of the post with the protective black coating should sit just above ground level.

The rear support post should also be attached to the back of the hotel using the supplied screws and positioned securely in the ground. Due to the size and weight of this product, it should be installed on stable ground and secured firmly in place.

To help attract insects, place the hotel near suitable planting. Native, nectar-rich flowers and wildflower areas will provide valuable food sources for solitary bees and other pollinating insects.

Maintenance

The insect hotel is finished with a clear water-based varnish. Re-treating the timber regularly with a wildlife-friendly preservative will help maintain the product and extend its service life.

The bamboo tubes should be replaced at least every three years, or sooner if they become damaged or are missing. Treating the lower section of the posts near ground level with a protective coating, such as rubber seal, every two years will also help increase longevity.

Check the hotel annually for general maintenance needs, including loose fittings, damaged habitat materials and the condition of the support posts.

This product is made to order and usually has a lead time of 1-2 weeks.