I'm sure you've seen them (http://www.wildforms.co.uk/html/bug___insect_houses.html),
But are they any good? Do creature actually nest in them or are they just for the financially unchallenged.
we have a ladybird house and 2 mason bee boxes, don't know if they work, had them for 2 years but we had very few ladybirds this year ;D
just drill a load of 8 mm holes in a block of wood, that'll do for the solitary bees, and leave some plants (sweetcorn for example) standing 'til end april/beginning may for the ladybirds.
or if you got more money than sense............................... ;)
I made this bug box a couple of years ago. I only used stuff I got for nowt. It's incredible what you can find ;D Not sure how many tiny bugs use it but I did have many, many ladybirds this year. I know that vermin use it too, but they'll be around anyhow.
That's a lovely item, maggie!! well done! ;)
love the Garden Spider Web Frame, might have to make some 8) ;D
Quote from: Emagggie on October 22, 2009, 14:30:59
I made this bug box a couple of years ago. I only used stuff I got for nowt. It's incredible what you can find ;D Not sure how many tiny bugs use it but I did have many, many ladybirds this year. I know that vermin use it too, but they'll be around anyhow.
Wow - I have a picture of that bug box on the kitchen notice board. Didn't I cut it from a magazine? As soon as I saw it I thought how fantastic it was with all the different kind of spaces and the clever reuse of everyday stuff and I was going to make myself one. Can I post a pic of it on my allotment web site please?
I think you may have a pic of the original, unwashed. It was originally posted on here by Supersprout a few years ago and I believe she got it from another gardening website. I liked it so much I decided to have a bash at making my own. I have made it a bit tidier by using all small pallets now ;D Feel free to do whatever you like with it.
Thanks TB ;D
That's a great link PW, given me ideas for the grandaughters Christmas pressie, she is mesmerised by spiders so I might have a go at something similar too. I made a mason bee box by poking bits of cane into an old flower pot.