Numerous wild bees use an insect hotel to lay their eggs. Clay walls are particularly popular for this purpose. If you make them yourself, you make an important contribution to species protection. Because in nature and in mostly tidy and well-structured gardens, the special material is becoming increasingly rare. On this page you will find easy-to-understand instructions for making clay.

The clay should be as free as possible of straw and stones

Clay requirements

Bees use existing holes in the clay to lay their eggs, as well as breeding grounds they have created themselves. For this reason, your clay must not be too firm so that the insects can dig their own nesting holes. The right balance between clay and sand is particularly important. The more sand the mixture contains, the more digging it is for the animals. Conversely, the clay walls threaten to tear and crumble if they contain too much sand. Furthermore, residues such as

  • straw
  • reed
  • or stones

the work of the bees.

Find the right relationship

  1. Mix clay and sand in different ratios (small amounts are enough).
  2. Form balls of each mixture.
  3. Note the mixing ratio.
  4. Leave them to dry in a shady, dry, well-ventilated place.
  5. Scratch the balls with your fingernail.
  6. If you succeed, the bees can also dig in the clay.
  7. Experience has shown that a recommended ratio is 1:1.
  8. Deviations may occur depending on the nature of the clay or sand.

Fill insect hotel with clay

  1. First fill the clay mixture in terracotta pots before you attach them to the insect hotel (€11.33).
  2. Hollow paving stones or bricks are also suitable.
  3. Gradually fill the pot with small amounts.
  4. Press the clay down with a block of wood from time to time. so that there are no cavities.
  5. Use a stick to drill 2-3 cm deep holes in the clay.
  6. The diameter should be about 6-8 mm.
  7. Let the clay dry in the pots in a shady place.
  8. Make sure there is good ventilation to prevent mold from forming.
  9. This can sometimes take several weeks.
  10. In the insect hotel, the clay should be protected from moisture (no ground contact).

Category:

Animals in the garden