Insect hotels should prioritise function over looks, experts say

Insect hotels have surged in popularity in Finland in recent years, with stores now offering models so aesthetically pleasing they fit into the most demanding garden designs. But experts argue that when it comes to these structures, ugliness is no drawback—function matters far more.

Juho Paukkunen, an insect researcher at the University of Helsinki, advises building insect hotels yourself rather than buying commercial versions, which he says are often poorly made. Many store-bought models use the wrong materials or have holes that are too shallow.

“The best materials are hollow plant stems like bulrush, bamboo, or even hogweed,” Paukkunen says. For wooden hotels, deciduous trees are preferable to conifers, as many insects avoid the scent of resin. Holes should be 10–15 centimetres deep, with smooth, splinter-free openings to allow access. A mesh cover is essential to prevent birds from preying on the residents.

Paukkunen notes that pine cones or straw clippings are unnecessary, as insects can find such materials naturally for wintering. The primary purpose of the hotel is to provide shelter for pollinators, whose nesting sites have declined due to changes in land use, such as the disappearance of meadows and fields in Finland.

Rasmus Rautalin, a gardener from Kokkola, has built about a dozen insect hotels. He praises simple, recycled-material designs for their high ecological value, even if their appearance is modest. “This is beautiful,” he says of one of his creations. Rautalin also points out that a log or even a brush pile can serve as an effective insect hotel. Drilling 10-centimetre-deep holes into a log or propping up a brush pile with stakes can create suitable habitats.

While insect hotels help some species, Paukkunen stresses they alone will not save insects. Many threatened species require broader habitat improvements, not just temporary accommodation. Rautalin agrees, emphasising that a diverse garden providing food from spring to autumn gives insects the best chance of surviving the winter.

Municipalities have also embraced the trend. Seinäjoki installed its first three insect hotels this summer, while Vaasa has already built 15.