Geoff Hodge tests insect shelters

BEST COMPACT SHELTER Gardman Bee and Bug House, £14.99

The Bee and Bug House is smaller than the Neudorff Hotel (on the right), measuring 20cm (8in) wide, 29.5cm (11½in) high and 11cm (4½in) deep, so is a good combined shelter for smaller spaces. It’s made from pine with a slate-effect roof to deflect rainwater, and contains a top chamber filled with pine cones for lacewings and ladybirds, drilled holes for a variety of insects and bamboo tubes for nesting, solitary bees. Supplier: Gardman, 01406 372227, www.gardman.co.uk.

BEST COMBINED SHELTER Neudorff Insect Hotel, £44.99

If you’re looking for a multi-insect shelter, this is a great choice. The ‘rooms’ include wood chips for ladybirds, hollowed-out wood for solitary bees, pine cones for lacewings and ladybirds, and a room for bu erflies. The main outer structure (in pine) measures 35cm (14in) wide, 56cm (22in) high and 9.5cm (3¾in) deep. Supplier: Neudorff, 0121 767 1821, www.neudorff.co.uk.

BEST INDIVIDUAL SHELTERS Neudorff Insect Flats, £16.99

If you want to a ract specific insects, then these smaller units, measuring 20x17x8cm (8x6¾x3¼in), are perfect. Made from pine, the set comprises an insect flat for lacewings and ladybugs (pine cones), insect flat for mason bees (drilled wood pieces) and insect flat for wild bees and digger wasps (bamboo sticks). Hang units singly, using the bracket supplied, or join them together. Supplier: Neudorff, 0121 767 1821, www.neudorff.co.uk.