Introducing artificial nesting elements and alternative habitats

MAKING AND INSTALLING ARTIFICIAL NESTING STRUCTURES IN YOUR POLLINATOR GARDEN CAN BE
SIMPLE, CHEAP, AND FUN!

WHY YOU SHOULD INSTALL ARTIFICIAL NESTING STRUCTURE

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                     Bee hotel in Place des Jardins, France

1. Additional Habitat: Using artificial nesting elements in your pollinator garden will give an alternative habitat for your visitors and added shelter for additional pollinators! 

2. They are Versatile: These structures do well in smaller gardens where natural site nesting may not be available, as a complement to existing natural areas in larger gardens and even as an important part of the infrastructure in large commercial farms! 

HOW TO CREATE ARTIFICIAL NESTS FOR:

BEES

The two types of nesting bees, underground and aboveground, have vastly different needs 

Underground Nesters: While the specific needs of underground nesting bees are not well understood, it is best to conserve natural areas. Click here for more ideas on how to create a desirable natural area to meet their needs in your garden! 

Aboveground Nesters: Artificial structures are great for these types of nesters! When deciding on what type of structure to create, start by observing what species of bee you typically see visiting your garden. Remember, the more diverse your habitat selection the more varied your pollinator population will be! 

Types of Artificial Nests

EXAMPLES

Stump Block with Roof

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Stem Bundles

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[1 and 2]
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BUTTERFLIES

Unlike for bees, the artificial elements in a butterfly garden are designed more for the adult population. They are less about providing nesting structures for eggs and juveniles and more about basking, puddling and providing water for winged adults.

Basking: Butterflies enjoy basking to warm their bodies and wings for flying. With the installation of natural rocks, landscaping rocks, building/keeping cement paths, or placing stepping stones in warm sunny area, you can help encourage and aid this behavior!

Puddling: Male butterflies enjoy another interesting behavior called “puddling.” The butterflies will feed off a substrate that fills a nutritional need that nectar alone does not fill. Naturally, this would occur at mud puddles, sandy areas or even on piles of dung. 

Creating an Artificial Puddling Site: 

Step 1: Gather soil, sand, and a small water bowl or terracotta pot/pie plate.

Step 2: Dig a small hole and submerge the items in the ground to simulate a “ground” puddle. For the “standing” method, place the aforementioned items in a birdbath instead. 

Step 3: Fill the container with sand and enough water to make it moist, you can then add soil from the garden, or even periodically a piece of overripe fruit. You can also add salt, manure, and rain/spring water to enhance the artificial puddling site.

Step 4:  See here and here for some DIY artificial butterfly puddles!

Step 5: Enjoy watching the butterflies in your pollinator garden

EXAMPLES

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Adult butterfly basking in the sun

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Lime Butterfly Mud Puddling