Insect Hotels

897tgigvib

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Now that's something! Something special for each insect critter!

5 STAR *****
 

hoodat

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I see solitary bees in my garden but I haven't been able to get any to move into what I offered them. I think perhaps my soil is too sandy for them to be able to seal the ends of the tubes. There is no clay close by. I have a lot more luck with burrowing wasps who keep my caterpillars under control. Army worms and cutworms seem to be their favorite prey. Cabbage worms get worked over pretty good by the yellow jackets.
 

lesa

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How fun are they? I hung a mason bee house, years ago- and failed to attract even one....
 

897tgigvib

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I don't think it needs to be all that big and fancy. Salamanders seem to enjoy the cheap half a star hotels under a loosely placed piece of half rotted wood, and the bumblebees would so enjoy a sleepy night under the stars on a coneflower.

But, just like myself, never standing a chance of being in a 5 star hotel, it's still nice to know they exist, and see pictures of them!
 

Southern Gardener

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Lesa, we hung a mason bee house also and didn't get a single one either - I think the insect hotels would add interest to the garden tho.
 

baymule

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Oh those are so cool!! That really apeals to my I-can't-throw-this-away-because-I-might-use-it-for-something-someday!! Whether any bees, or other critters moved in, it sure would make a fun project for me and my grand daughter! Plus, it would make a attractive-in-a-weird-way garden decoration. :throw
 

thistlebloom

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Some of those are pretty neat looking. I agree Joan, they'd be an interesting focal point in the garden even if you didn't get bees to nest in them.
 

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