Creating a bee hotel: construction

Time Allocation: 30-40 minutes*

Activity Level: Complex

Introduction

Before commencing this activity, the Junior Landcarers are encouraged to develop a better understanding of bees, their features and their native nesting habitat. Learners will apply prior learning and information gathered to identify the things to include in their bee hotel, to best mimic the bees’ natural habitat.

This activity will require adult supervision and some ground work to gather materials. We suggest connecting to your local Landcare group or hardware shop, as they may help provide some of the materials.

*Time allocation is based on all materials being sourced prior to commencing construction.

Checklist

  • Hollow and pithy stems from long canes of Bamboo, Lantana, Hydrangea, Tibouchina or other hollow or pithy- stemmed weeds, cut into lengths of 15-20cms for the simple bundled nest, 10cm lengths for the bee hotel nest.
  • Empty food cans, 400g size
  • Old plastic planter pots
  • Hardwood box – from old pallets or fence palings, at least 10cm deep. Ideal box diameter is 12cmx 12cm
  • Plywood or fine mesh
  • Untreated logs of wood, cut into 10cm lengths. These can be cut from fallen tree branches 6cm or more in diameter
  • Drill and drill bits
  • Marking pen to mark where to drill your holes
  • Sandpaper to smooth rough edges
  • Bark, rotten wood
  • Malleable wire (for bundling and hanging)
  • Mesh wire (e.g. Chicken Wire) (Holes no smaller than 10cm) to cover the front of the box
  • Staple gun or tacks

    • Instructions

    Step 1

    As a result of completing the research activity, children should have a better understanding of the native bees that we are creating habitat for.

    It is important for our learners to understand the importance of this activity, to build ownership that will help achieve the best results.

    Step 2

    Discuss the materials that you will need for your bee hotel.

    Ask the children what materials can be used? What materials do we already have? What materials can’t we use and why? Are tools needed to collect and trim the materials? Do you need a container to hold the materials you have gathered? What additional materials are needed?

    Consider reaching out to your local Landcare, bushcare or ‘friends of’ group to help collect materials required.

    Being ready with all your materials will save time and achieve the best results.

    Step 3

    Simple bundled nest

    Bundle hollow and pithy stems that are about 15 – 20cm long. Wire them together at each end, ready to hang them in a tree or on a fence.

    If you prefer, place your stems in an empty food can or plastic planter pots, ensuring the stems are tight, without any gaps. Tie your wire around the can or the pot tightly at each end, ensuring everything is secured.

    Bee hotel nest

    Use a small hardwood box of at least 10cm deep. Remember that the larger the box, the more nesting materials you would need to fill it. A 12x12cm diameter is a good size!

    Cover one end with plywood or fine mesh to stop materials from falling.

    Bees prefer a ‘blunt’ end to the burrow. When drilling, ensure you don’t drill all the way through the wood.

    Drill a number of holes in each of untreated ‘rounds’ of wood, ranging from 3mm-8mm. Space the holes around 2cm apart. Try to minimize burrs, to keep tunnels smooth and inviting for the bees.

    Place 1-3 pre-drilled, untreated rounds of wood in the box. Add the hollow and pithy stems. Add layers of bark or rotten wood. Pack the box tightly with the materials, so the openings are facing out.

    Close the front of the box using wire mesh, using a staple gun or tacks.

    Step 4

    You may choose to paint the bee hotel boxes before installing to increase their longevity.

    Ideally, install your nest in a sunny position to attract the best insects. Hang your hotel at least 0.5m off the ground. The best place to hang the hotel is where the participants can observe them. Don’t put them in a foot traffic thoroughfare, but off to the side, where observers can quietly stand and watch, but aren’t standing in the flight path.

    Hang your bee hotel nest with hooks and wire or keep it as a free-standing nest, but not on the ground.

    Don’t forget to provide lots of food. So you will need to plant or have lots of flowering plants in the area. Refer to the Creating a beneficial garden: planting learning activity for ideas.

    Use the activity sheet to create a sign for your new bee habitat to help people understand more about its importance and the bees that will live there.

    Enjoy waiting for your bees to move in, it may take a season to happen!

    Extension Activity

    Now you have created a bee hotel, encourage others in your community to create them also. Write an article for your local newsletter and share the benefits of looking after native bees in your environment.

    Australian Pollinator Week is held every November.