Solitary Bee Hotel Info Sheet
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Bee Hotel and thank you! You are directly supporting our biodiversity restoration and education work at Wildacres.
This Wildacres Bee Hotel was designed and hand-made by our super volunteers using salvaged roof tiles and storm-felled logs, ensuring sustainability.
Why Bee Hotels….
Our wild bees are in trouble in Ireland with one third of the 80 solitary bee species and 21 bumblebee species, at risk of extinction. We have one honeybee specie but there are very few wild honeybee colonies left. There is no shortage of managed beehives, which are effectively livestock, and the honeybee is not at risk of extinction. Too many beehives in one location can have a negative effect on wild bee populations as they are competing for the same pollen and nectar.
This well-designed Solitary Bee Hotel has been very successful at attracting Mason Bees and Leaf Cutter Bees as can be seen from the photos here which show that lots of cavities are being used by these solitary bees to make nests in which they deposit their eggs.
Where to position your Bee Hotel….
Aspect: Choose a sunny South, East or West facing position – the sun warms the bees and encourages activity.
Height: Position 1 to 2.5 metres above ground to keep it safe from predators and ground-level dampness.
Shelter: Site in a spot protected from prevailing winds and heavy rain, such as on a sheltered wall.
Environment: Place near food sources (pollen/nectar-rich plants) because solitary bees often have a short foraging range.
Stability: Ensure the hotel is firmly secured and does not sway, as bees struggle to enter moving tubes.
Mason bees plug the cavities with mud to protect their brood from predators
A leaf-cutter bee returning to the Bee Hotel with a leaf piece to make a nest for her brood
