An insect hotel is handy and helpful because it helps attract beneficial insects. But which insect hotel location should you choose and what is important in terms of the environment and the altitude?
Table of Contents
light and warmth
Insects like light and warmth. Therefore, it makes sense to align the insect hotel to the south. This will protect it from cold wind and rain. If it does get wet, it also dries faster due to the stronger solar radiation and is therefore habitable again more quickly.
Another advantage is that the larvae grow better due to the heat and the drought. The offspring is also protected by the southern location. If a position to the south is not possible, the east should be chosen. Bad weather in Germany usually comes from the north-west. So if the accommodation is in this direction, it will be soaked more often and in a shorter time. This is not only detrimental to the longevity of the hotel, but also to its occupants.
mounting height
How high the insect hotel location is chosen has a significant influence on its residents for three reasons. It refers to:
1. Protection:
- Minimum height of 75 to 100 centimeters
- Reduce the risk of pets or insects being injured
2. Altitude:
- hang or set up as high as possible
- also strive for a height of well over one meter
3. Moisture:
- if the hotel is as high as possible for the insects, it dries off in a shorter time
- Moisture from the soil is not absorbed as much
food sources
The inhabitants of the insect hotel need food sources as close as possible to their accommodation. The location should therefore be chosen so that there are flowers, flowering shrubs and trees in the area. In the event of an infestation with pests, such as parasites, a change of location can also be made.
As a result, the beneficial insects are closer to the relevant food source and it is easier for bees and co. to feed themselves. Another advantage is that the insects can take care of the parasite infestation faster. With regard to so-called bee pastures and other flowering plants, pollination of the plants is more effective. It therefore makes sense to place the insect hotel in the immediate vicinity of the corresponding plants, a garden pond or infested plants.
protection
Young dogs in particular, but also cats, birds and children are often fascinated by insects, they hunt them and try to catch them. To ensure that neither children nor pets or beneficial insects are harmed, you should not only ensure that the insect hotel is sufficiently high, but also provide additional protection and distance.
It is important that climbing and larger animals such as cats, badgers, foxes and martens cannot get to the hotel for insects. In addition to an elevated location, you should therefore choose appropriate climbing protection. This can consist of barbed wire, for example, or a so-called anti-cat belt can be used.
distance
For people who are allergic to insect bites, the hotel should not be located in close proximity to home or places used for outdoor dining. The accommodation also has no business being near windows or entrances.
On the one hand, because the insects are disturbed by what people are doing. On the other hand, because the risk of insects in the house and the danger of bites increases.
Change of location – what to consider?
If a crop is infested with aphids or similar pests, move the insect hotel location closer to the affected plant. This gives the beneficial insects better access to food sources and the parasites are fought and eliminated more quickly.
However, this should be done in stages. A move of one to a maximum of two meters every two days enables the insects to still find their hotel. This is particularly important if the larvae are present, as they still have to be cared for comprehensively at the beginning.
