Choose an area in your garden that is sheltered from the worst of the weather, a good area is close to a wall or hedge and this will act as protection. Bug hotels should attract different bugs, some like the damp dark conditions whereas other prefer the sun. Make sure the ground is flat and firm as depending on how adventurous your construction gets of the bug hotel it may be heavy once finished.

All sorts of things can be used to make a bug hotel, it is best to use plenty of natural materials and create nooks and crannies of varies sizes for the insects to scuttle into.

There is no set plan to follow when making a bug hotel, some people use old pallets and make a tiered structure with bits tucked in the gaps. Others go for something more modest built around a few old bricks and sections of discarded pipe. Old ceramic pots plants are a good material to use as they create great little areas for insects to hide in. Flowerpots, pipes, and even old drinks bottles can be filled with straw, leaves or sand. Dead wood, logs, branches and twigs are great to stack up, or poke into the small areas between wooden pallets later you can lift up the logs to reveal centipedes and woodlice.

Finish off with Dry leaves, loose bark and bamboo canes, all of these are great places for ladybirds and other insects for find safe shelter.