The buzzing of insects sounds like music to your ears on warm summer days? Even if you don't have your own green oasis, you can enjoy this background music up close. Place your insect hotel on the balcony, not only will you learn how the animals behave when the weather changes, but you will certainly also discover inhabitants that you would not have expected.
An insect hotel should not be hung too close to a window
Do the insects sting?
As long as you don't threaten the insects, for example by lighting an open fire or damaging the brood, the inhabitants behave very peacefully. It is perfectly possible to live next door to insects.
When can an insect hotel on the balcony become dangerous?
Especially if your insect hotel (€11.33) is on the balcony, you have to expect that an animal will often get lost in the apartment through an open window. In some cases this can be dangerous, for example when
- You are allergic to insect bites.
- Small children or pets live in your household.
- Food left lying around (risk of swallowing the insects).
However, you must be aware that you will probably have to do without the coffee table on the balcony. Wasps in particular will join you at the table.
Set up an insect hotel on the balcony
Small versions of an insect hotel are recommended for balconies. Build a shelter out of a clay pot.
alignment
The flight path of the insect hotel is best pointed south towards the sun. Insects love it warm and bright.
Hang up or screw down?
When you build an insect hotel out of a can, you don't usually stand it up, you hang it on a string. Make sure the shelter doesn't sway too much in the wind. Better nail the insect hotel to the wall.
Combine cleverly
By planting nectar-rich flowers in your flower boxes (€16.99) on the balcony, you also provide the residents with a source of food. This increases the diversity of species considerably.