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Tuesday, 6 May 2014

DIY Bug House

While doing a bit of Bank Holiday gardening, I found this bug house that I'd made last year and decided to get it back out into the garden. It had been hidden in a dark, damp corner - but I don't suppose the creepy crawlies minded! 
I made this bug house with some leftover bits of decking and cut into 3 pieces (approx. 12" long) to make a triangle.
The ends of each of the sides were cut at an angle so that they slotted together. I used screws to fix each piece together.
The back is an old piece of mdf, cut into a triangle and then fixed with nails.
 To fill up the inside of the house, I used a mix of materials to create lots of nooks and crannies! I found it easiest to lay the whole thing on its back and then tightly pack everything in. Some bits are branches with holes drilled in....
.... others are pieces of hollow bamboo cane.
I like that it now has a weathered look, having been left outside a while. Plus it looks like there are plenty of different insects who now call this home!
I'm really glad I found this again and have put it at the back of my vegetable raised bed. Hopefully it will attract lots of 'friendly' insects to counteract any pests!
From memory, this took less than an hour to do and I reckon it would make a great project to try with kids as well!
 
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12 comments:

  1. Celtic Thistle7 May 2014 at 22:28

    I expect they loved it :)

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    1. Craftysiany9 May 2014 at 17:46

      They definitely seem to have made themselves at home ;) x

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  2. Audra @ Renewed Projects12 May 2014 at 14:45

    What an attractive use of materials! Looks great and super practical.

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    1. Craftysiany15 May 2014 at 21:34

      Thanks Audra! It was great to be able to use bits & pieces I had lying around :) x

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  3. Lucy Blossom12 May 2014 at 18:30

    A fabulous way to give the bugs lots of encouragement to stay in the garden - and deal with any nasties that might appear.

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    1. Craftysiany15 May 2014 at 21:34

      Fingers crossed they like their new home & keep those nasties at bay!! x

      Delete
  4. Anonymous13 May 2014 at 11:55

    I love your idea, so simple to make, I bet your bugs are very happy in there!!

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    Replies
    1. Craftysiany15 May 2014 at 21:35

      Thanks, it really was super easy to make! x

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  5. Unknown14 May 2014 at 17:38

    What a great idea! I'd love if you came by and shared it with us at The Makers link party on my blog. :)

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  6. Crafts a la Mode23 May 2014 at 02:21

    Awesomeness!! Best wishes, Linda

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