How to build a bug box
Follow our step-by-step guide
Your garden provides a variety of habitats for insects and other mini beasts, each attracting a range of species. But if you want to give nature a helping hand, try making this simple, open-fronted bug box. If you hang it from a fence, tree branch, arch or shed, it will soon be home to a host of beneficial creatures, including spiders, ladybirds and solitary bees.
YOU WILL NEED
Six pieces of softwood timber: four at 10cm x 15cm (sides and roof), and two at 10cm x 10cm (base and shelf) Wood nails, wood hammer, wood saw Twigs, pieces of bamboo and other hollow plant stems Short lengths of larger branches with holes drilled into the ends (optional)
1 Stand the base upright and nail on the sides at right angles. Nail the inside shelf 5cm below the top of the sides.
2 Saw the side tops off at 45º and attach the roof pieces so they overhang the sides of the box by 2cm.
3 Fill the box with the twigs and hollow stems. If you wish, add the larger branch pieces.
4 Fix your box to a sheltered arch or fence, surrounded by plants where possible – the insects will soon find it.