What would summer be without the buzzing of the swarms of bees, the dancing mosquitoes over the garden pond and the colorful butterflies? Yes, what would a garden be without insects anyway? Unfortunately, the animals are finding it increasingly difficult to find a suitable breeding ground. However, you can counteract this by providing the insects with a nesting aid. Read in this article what is necessary for this.
Nesting aids for insects can also be built by yourself
Requirements for the nesting aids
With a nesting aid, it is possible to attract almost any type of insect into the garden. Although the animals all have individual preferences, a few general aspects should always be given:
- location
- nature
- wintering
location
It is best to align your nesting aid to the south, as most insects love the sun and warmth. In addition, the nesting aid should be sheltered from the wind and well protected from precipitation and moisture. It is also necessary to set up the roost at a sufficient height to give predators such as cats no chance. Since the animals are often weakened after a long winter or have to expend a lot of energy during the brood, you should make sure that there is a food source nearby. For example, plant some wild herbs.
nature
When constructing your nesting aid, you must ensure that the material is weather-resistant and that the finish is clean. Under no circumstances should you use varnish or paint that contains toxic substances.
wintering
Even if you mean well, a nesting aid must not be moved, even in cold temperatures. Your change of location in winter disrupts the biorhythms of the animals. The result would be starvation. However, you can provide some nest warmth with heat-retaining filling material such as wood shavings.
tips
In an insect hotel, it is very easy to combine the needs of many insect species.
Insects are so useful in the garden
Not only the animals benefit from a nesting aid in the home garden. Look for yourself.
insects as predators
Insects such as lacewings or ladybugs feed on pests and thus protect your plants.
insects as pollinators
Without insects in your garden, there would be no blooming flowers. For most plants, animals are essential for reproduction.