I love bees, but a few years ago I noticed they were not visiting my garden like before. Flowers bloomed less, and my tomatoes didn’t grow well. I decided to help by building a small bee hotel. I thought it would be complicated, but it turned out easy and fun.
Here’s what I learned and how you can make one too.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Spot
At first, I hung my bee hotel under a tree. It stayed empty for months. Bees like warm, sunny spots, not shade. So I moved it to a wall that faces the morning sun.
That simple change worked. Bees started to visit within weeks.
If you want bees to stay, make sure the hotel does not swing. Mount it on a wall or a post about one meter high. Keep it steady and dry, away from sprinklers and strong wind.
Making the Frame
I used an old wooden box I already had. Untreated wood is best because paint and varnish have smells that keep bees away. I nailed a piece of scrap wood on top as a roof so the rain would slide off easily.
Inside the box, I filled it with bamboo sticks, hollow stems, and small wood blocks with holes. I drilled holes from 2 millimeters to 10 millimeters wide, about 10 centimeters deep.
Each hole has to be closed at the back. If the hole goes all the way through, bees won’t use it.
I didn’t glue anything together. Instead, I packed the materials tightly with twine and a bit of mud. This way, they stay firm but still natural.
Choosing the Right Materials
Bamboo is easy to find, but I learned that rough edges hurt bee wings. I sanded every piece smooth. I also used sunflower stalks and reeds. For smaller bees, I made tubes from plain brown paper rolled around a pencil. They loved it.
I mixed different materials so more bee species would come.
Mason bees liked the wooden holes, while leafcutter bees preferred the paper tubes. I also placed a small patch of damp clay near the hotel because mason bees use clay to seal their nests.
Keeping It Clean
The first year went great. Then the second year, no bees came. When I checked, mold and mites had taken over. That’s when I learned to clean the hotel every fall.
After bees finish nesting in late summer, I move the filled tubes to a dry shed. In spring, I put them back outside so the new bees can come out safely. I replace old tubes once a year.
It’s simple and keeps everything healthy.
If you use drilled wood blocks, try adding paper liners. You can remove them easily when it’s time to clean.
Knowing Your Guests
Many people think honeybees will live in a bee hotel, but they don’t. These hotels are for solitary bees like mason bees, leafcutters, and carpenter bees. They don’t make honey or live in hives, but they are amazing pollinators.
They are also gentle. I can garden right next to them without worry. One mason bee can pollinate more flowers than dozens of honeybees.
If you see holes sealed with mud or leaves, that means your hotel is working. Those are bees protecting their eggs inside.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made several mistakes before getting it right. Plastic or metal tubes get too hot and trap moisture, which kills larvae. Always use natural materials.
Don’t put the hotel near bird feeders. Birds will eat the bee larvae. Also, don’t make the hotel too big. Bees prefer a few small homes spread around the garden. I built one large “bee mansion” once.
It looked great, but no bees came. Smaller ones always fill faster.
Making the Area Bee-Friendly
A bee hotel alone won’t attract bees if there are no flowers nearby. I planted lavender, borage, and oregano, which bloom in different seasons. That way, bees always have food.
Most solitary bees don’t fly far. They prefer flowers within 15 meters of their nest. So plant something close by.
I also left a few patches of bare soil because some bees nest in the ground. Avoid covering everything with mulch. A little open dirt goes a long way.
Caring for It in Winter
In winter, I keep the bee hotel outside but make sure it stays dry. I tilt it slightly forward so rainwater doesn’t collect inside. I also cover it with wire mesh to keep birds away.
When spring comes, I remove the wire and watch new bees crawl out. It’s amazing to see them take off for the first time. That moment makes all the effort worth it.
What I Learned?
Building a bee hotel taught me how important small things can be. I used to think bees only needed flowers, but now I know they need safe homes too.
My garden feels more alive now. Flowers bloom better, vegetables grow stronger, and I see bees almost every day.
I even helped my neighbors make their own bee hotels. Now, bees move between our gardens. It feels good knowing we are helping nature together.
If you want to try this yourself, start simple. A small box with bamboo tubes is enough. With patience and care, you’ll soon have new buzzing guests in your garden too.
