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Insect Hotel: Nature Science

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We created a lovely, colorful place for insects to gather in our backyard called an insect hotel. My kids and I had fun making this and have had fun watching it for the past month or so.

Insect Hotel from Teach Beside Me

 

To Make the Insect Hotel:

We used a small clay pot, some smoothie straws (I got mine at Ikea), and a jar candle.

making an insect hotel

We cut the straws in half and tied them in bundles to contain them. I put a piece of foil in the bottom of the pot to cover the hole. We melted the candle completely in the microwave. Pour the candle into the bottom of the put, then put the bundles of straws into the wax.  The wax will harden as it cools and hold the straws in place.

How to Make an Insect Hotel

Find a secluded place in your yard to put your insect hotel.  Leave it alone and let the bugs explore.

Ours has been in our yard for about a month and we have sen lots of spiders and other little bugs make their residence in it.  The kids were hoping a colony of bees would take up residence and create a hive in it, but I am trying to let them know that it isn’t very likely. 🙂

Insect Hotel- Nature Science

Want more insect ideas?  Check out these posts:

Pitfall Insect Trap

Spring Insect Study

Roll a Beetle Math Game

 

STEAM for Kids

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5 Comments

  1. This is SO FUN! Thank you for sharing! My kids (7, 5, and 2) have been REALLY excited about all of the new insects and critters we have found over the last year after a move from the plains of Colorado to South Florida. We will definitely be trying this come fall 🙂

  2. Please do a little more research. While this is colorful and cute, you may have better results if you use paper straws or cut sticks (bamboo, phragmites, or elderberry) that have empty centers. The Leafcutter bees will appreciate your efforts even more! Also, these tubes need to be replaced every year to avoid fungus and parasites attacking your new friend. Thanks from the bees, and me.

    1. Do not use plastic straws! They will sweat inside and harm the solitary bees using them as homes. Use paper straws or rolled up paper tubes, bamboo or anything but plastic straws. While our intentions are good, please do more research.

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