It is once again nature's famous food chain. An insect hotel attracts the insects. The visit of hungry birds is not long in coming, to the chagrin of the owner. On this page you can find out how to make your insect hotel bird-proof.
Wire mesh has a number of positive effects on the insect hotel
A bird was at work here
For example, if a woodpecker has tampered with your insect hotel (€11.33), it will leave clear traces. With their nimble beaks, the animals hack open the nest closures, damaging the wood around the edges of the holes. Loose stalks are simply picked out of the hotel. But even glued straws do not offer sufficient protection.
Different ideas for a bird shelter
- wireframe
- plexiglass
- everyday objects
wireframe
Fine-meshed wire mesh effectively deters birds, but still allows small insects to enter. They even kill two birds with one stone. Loose filling material such as cones often threatens to fall out of the compartment. A grid holds the equipment in place. If you would like to take a look at the insect hotel often, it is best to attach a frame with a wire mesh. You can always open this like a door.
plexiglass
Many hobby gardeners document the behavior of the insects with photos. In this case, a wireframe proves to be a limitation. Plexiglas does not allow birds access, but is ideal for observation. In addition, sufficient light penetrates through the transparent material. Make sure to screw the Plexiglas to the front of the hotel at the right distance so that the insects can still fit through.
Creative bird protection
Don't want to spend money on a bird shelter? Then your creativity is required. You probably have a colander in stock in the kitchen cupboard. If your insect hotel has a round shape, simply pull it over the edge. Seal gaps on the sides with tape. The holes in a colander are usually so filigree that a bird's beak cannot fit through them.
Tip: Alternatively, place your insect hotel in a busy place, for example on the balcony. Insects hardly disturb the presence of people. Birds, on the other hand, avoid you.