A wildlife habitat box, or bug box, for mini-beasts and other beneficial insects, is fun, easy and costs almost nothing to make – you may even already have the materials to make the box lying around in your shed or garden.

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It’s a great project to do with kids, too, helping to teach them about habitats and conservation. You could go large, but even in a small box like this there’s enough nooks and crannies that make the ideal habitat for insects and spiders to shelter and hibernate. They're especially good for hibernating wasps, lacewings, ladybirds and woodlice.


How to make a bug box

gather materias from your garden, such as pine cones, twigs, stones and crocks from broken plant pots. Assemble them tightly in a box and place in a sheltered, dry spot, ideally positioned so rain can't get in and make the contents wet.

Avoid disturbing your bug box in winter. Over time the organic materials (wood, twigs, cones) will decay. If the box stays intact you can re-use it the following year.

You Will Need

  • Wooden box
  • Log or thick branch
  • Broken terracotta pot
  • Pine cones
  • Twigs
  • Gravel

Step 1

How to make a bug box - adding materials to the box
How to make a bug box - adding materials to the box

Lean the box back and start placing the materials inside. Start with some larger pieces at the bottom, then infill later with the smaller ones to hold it all together.

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Step 2

How to make a bug box - filling in the gaps with smaller items
How to make a bug box - filling in the gaps with smaller items

Group the materials carefully rather than chucking them all in randomly. This will create a variety of habitats to attract the widest range of wildlife.


Step 3

How to make a bug box - placing the bug box in its final location
How to make a bug box - placing the bug box in its final location
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Choose a dry spot for your box, so it doesn't get damp and harm hibernating invertebrates inside. If you can, tilt the box slightly to defect rain. Alternatively, fix it to a fence or wall.


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