Dig This: Craft a Ladybug Hotel

Did you know that some insects are actually beneficial to your garden? Ladybugs, praying mantis, earwigs, bees and many others help lend a hand by combating certain pests such as aphids. Each year, I usually pick up a plastic container of ladybugs at my local garden center. It has become a ritual with the kids and me to release hundreds of ladybugs into our gardens. Knowing that these insects will stick around if they have a place to call home, this year I decided to make a place just for our ladybug friends. When seeking shelter, insects look for homes that have small nooks and crannies, are made from natural material, and provide safety from the elements—especially during the winter. I decided to add a green roof as well. I figured this is one more place for the insects to thrive. I love the idea of replacing pesticides with ladybugs!

Supplies:

• A birdhouse
• Flat head screwdriver
• Outdoor paint
• Tape measure
• Saw
• Bamboo
• Bamboo sticks
• Wood glue
• Sheet of moss
• Chicken wire
• Potting soil
• Plants. I used two varieties of sedum.
• Staple Gun and staples
• Screw eye hook (optional)

For all the complete directions, take a peek at the photo gallery below.