diy insect boxes

[davefromthechipie]

Hi
Anyone got any plans ,help or links to making a diy insect boxes?

[Paul Wagland]

Hi Dave - I made a bug nest as a project in GYO a few months back. It was a very simple idea (most of mine are! ), just buy a strip of bamboo lawn edging and roll it up with some twigs and sticks in the middle. Tie it closed and stick it somewhere out of the worst of the weather.

If my description isn't clear I'll post you a pic in the morning.

[smallblueplanet]

Here's pigletwillie's post on the subject

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...html#post57476

Whilst clearing out the post Christmas rubbish from the workshop I found some damaged bamboo canes in the kindling pile that had been used in the greenhouse last year.

I cut them into 6" sections with a hacksaw and have tied them into sideplate sized bundles with wire and left a loop so that they can be positioned about the plots as insect houses for lacewings etc.

I just ensured that all of the ends were open and just used a nail to open up any blocked bits of cane. Twenty minutes work left 4 insect houses ready to be hung in place, hopefully to inhabited by lots of greenfly eating lace wings.

I shall plant some lacewing friendly plants nearby.

Here's what it looks like.

[davefromthechipie]

Thanks paul / small

Will get building tomorrow . also Do you notice it being used ? if so how long did it take to become populated.

[Paul Wagland]

Difficult to tell if they're being used. I guess we have to hope for the best!

Last year I did notice bees using the upturned flowerpot nests I had accidentally provided!

[smallblueplanet]

You'll know if they're used or not, the holes get closed over with a mud plug.