LIFESTYLE
Creepy crawlies, slimy slugs and wriggly worms – insects are vital for maintaining garden health. So why not make the environment a little more hospitable? The Wildlife Trust has shared tips for building a bug hotel.
• Please visit: wildlifetrusts.org
Why do bugs matter?
Bugs make up 70% of all known species and are vital to the ecosystem.
This is because they drive the production of important seeds, fruit and veg via pollination. Insects also help maintain healthy soil, recycle nutrients and control pests.
But by the end of the century, 40% of the world’s insect species may go extinct due to habitat loss, according to WWF.
A world without insects would be detrimental to the food chain and environment – you could wave goodbye to all your favourite fruits, veg and flowers.
Building a bug hotel is just one small thing you can do to help protect our insects.
Eye spy
Now you’ve built your bug hotel, it’s time to see which critters come to check it out!
•Ladybirds – who eat pests like aphids which hurt the plants
•Woodlice – who recycle and break down any dead matter
•Beetles – support the health of plants by eating ‘harmful’ insects
•Spiders – who provide pest control during growing season
•Solitary bees – pollinate plants
•Butterflies – pollinate plants as well as being prey for birds and bats
