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Four pieces of timber stuck together as a square and filled with bark and sticks, wrapped in twine

Overview

Making a bug hotel is a great way to bring all sorts of critters such as native bees, bugs and other interesting creatures into your yard. It's a great project for the kids who can then watch them grow in their natural habitat.

Steps

1Gather your tools and materials

Below are all of the tools and materials you'll need to complete this project.

2Get your box

Either find a box at home or make your own. To do this, you'll need some timber, nails and a hammer. It's a good idea to get mum or dad to help with this part of the project. For the bug's safety, use natural pine timber – it's a better option than anything that has been treated.

3Assemble the box

You'll need enough timber for two sides, two ends and a back. Once you've got the pieces cut to size, nail them together. You'll need to get some gloves too to protect your hands. Pre-nail the corners, then hammer them in – you'll need a nail for each corner to secure the box. Remember, it doesn't need to be perfect as the bugs won't mind.

4Fill the box

This is the fun part. Start filling the box with as many natural goodies as you can find. See how much you can squeeze in! A good tip is to put longer pieces of bark at the back. Add in twigs, leaves, coconut fibre and even some small rocks.

5Wrap it up

Using string or twine, wrap this around your box. Do a few rounds – enough to hold everything in place. Then tie the string tightly so the goodies in your hotel, don't fall out.

6Find a top spot

Find a nice shady spot in the garden for your ‘bug hotel'. Keep an eye out because you're sure to have guests in no time!

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.