Bee & Butterfly Houses

What Is a Bee Hotel?

A butterfly house or bee house is the perfect way to bring life to your outdoor space and get the little ones excited about heading out into the garden, too. These are small habitats that provide shelter and protection for bees, giving them somewhere to stay while they set to work on making your garden bloom!

With the world’s bee, insect, and butterfly populations in severe decline, why not do your bit to give your local pollinators a helping hand? With an insect house, you can provide a safe space for them to rest and raise their young.

For more tips on making your garden as insect-friendly as can be, take a look at our guide on how to encourage pollinators. Here, you can find our advice on what to provide and what to avoid to keep them pollinating your plants.

How Does a Bee House Work?

A bee house is a safe and sheltered space for solitary bees to nest and lay their eggs. Unlike honeybees, solitary bees don’t live in hives, so they rely on natural cavities to reproduce, like a bee house! These tiny spaces have small hollow tubes or drilled wooden blocks that are just big enough for bees to crawl inside and lay their eggs. Once the eggs are laid, they can seal the entrance to protect their young.

Then, when the weather warms up, you’ll have plenty of pollinators in your garden (and hopefully lots of flowers for them, too).

Where to Put an Insect House

The best spot for an insect house is a sunny, sheltered spot where it will stay dry and warm. For bee houses, make sure they’re at least 1m off the ground and facing east or northeast to catch the morning sun. Avoid places near busy areas, such as doorways or seating areas, as insects tend to prefer quiet spots. 

Butterfly houses can be placed near your flowers, especially if you’re growing annual flower seeds or perennial flower seeds, where they’ll feel at home. Secure the house firmly to avoid movement in the wind, and watch as your new guests settle in!

Shop Bee and Butterfly Houses at Mr Fothergill’s Today

Welcome some new residents to your outside space when you shop for one of Mr Fothergill’s butterfly and bee houses. What are you waiting for? Get ready to help both your garden and the local wildlife thrive! Shop Mr Fothergill’s insect house selection at all good garden centres and major hardware stores, or shop our collection online today.