Bug Hotel for Kids: Build a Garden Insect Home

Bug hotels give beneficial insects a place to nest and overwinter — and make a brilliant hands-on project for kids. Learn what to use, where to place it and which helpers you might attract.

Related: minibeasts guide · Aotearoa bugs

Building Your Bug Hotel

Step 1: Gather Materials

Collect natural materials like dry leaves, twigs, bark, pallets, old terracotta pots, hollow stems, and plenty of soil. Each material will attract different insects, creating a diverse habitat.

Step 2: Build the Base

Choose a sheltered spot in your garden. Lay bricks to create a sturdy foundation, leaving gaps for insects to enter. Mimic a natural forest floor with dry leaves to attract more bugs.

Step 3: Fill the Hotel

Fill your structure with materials like dead wood, tubes, stones, and tiles, creating small spaces for insects to nest. Be creative and design spaces that various insects will love.

Step 4: Add the Roof

Close the hotel with a roof to keep it dry and stable. Use old roof tiles or planks covered with roofing felt. Surround your hotel with nectar-rich flowers to attract pollinators.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Bug Hotel

It might take some time for insects to move in, but once they do, it’s a delightful sight. Bug hotels are more popular during warmer months and at night, so keep an eye out for your new garden guests.

By building a bug hotel, you’re not just creating a safe space for insects but also contributing to a healthier, more balanced ecosystem. Enjoy the process and the benefits of your new insect-friendly garden feature!

More for young gardeners

• Kids Garden Corner — all projects
• Free NZ grower tools — planting calendar & food-forest planner
• Food forests — family-friendly layered gardens
• Community & Te Puke — local garden events
• Kai Resilience — food resilience in the Bay of Plenty