An insect hotel should be kept as natural as possible. You are probably asking yourself to what extent you are allowed to intervene in the biotope. Should you leave the shelter to the animals even if it is in a neglected state, or is cleaning recommended in this case? And if so, which means are possible? This article provides useful tips.
Only uninhabited insect hotels should be cleaned or refilled
time
Under no circumstances should you disturb the insects during the breeding phase. Most of the time, the animals use an insect hotel (€11.33) to hibernate. In summer, however, most insect species fly out. If you want to clean your insect hotel, it is best to choose an early summer day. Make sure the brood is fully hatched.
cleaning supplies
Insects perceive foreign odors and accordingly avoid insect hotels that have been treated with unnatural means. Chemical cleaning agents are even harmful to the health of the animals. Therefore, only use clean water for maintenance.
What can I dispose of?
It is certainly nicer for the optics if you gradually replace rotted material. You may deprive returning insects of their usual environment. You should therefore find out here what dirt you are allowed to remove and what does not harm the animals.
locked nests
Even if nest closures are not broken open for half a year, there can still be live brood behind them. It is best to mark the closed holes with a dot in the spring. If these are still closed in late autumn, the probability of living residents is low. In this case you are allowed to open the hole. You should leave your newly obtained nesting aids to your own devices.
cobwebs
Spiders often weave their webs right next to the holes in the insect hotel. Flies and bees get caught in the sticky silk when they fly out and become easy prey. Spider webs should therefore be removed regularly.
filling material
You only have to replace old filling material if it becomes moldy or is really not accepted at all.