Best Backyard Insect Hotels of 2026

Darin Boyd Avatar
Darin Boyd
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

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Backyard insect hotels are a great way to attract beneficial insects to your garden. These hotels provide a safe and cozy habitat for bees, ladybugs, and other insects that help pollinate plants and control pests. Made from natural materials like wood, bamboo, and straw, these hotels come in a variety of sizes and designs to suit any backyard. They are easy to install and require little maintenance, making them a perfect addition to any garden. Not only do they benefit your plants, but they also add a decorative touch to your outdoor space.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Lulu Home Wooden Insect House Cover #TOP 1
Lulu Home Wooden Insect House
ftb score rating icon 9.9
MrHN Basic Pine Wood Squirrel House Cover #TOP 2
MrHN Basic Pine Wood Squirrel House
ftb score rating icon 9.8
GardeningProducts4Less Wooden Insect House Cover #TOP 3
GardeningProducts4Less Wooden Insect House
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Backyard Insect Hotels

#TOP 1

Lulu Home Wooden Insect House

8010
Brown
19 X 3.4 X 5.5 Inch
Lulu Home Wooden Insect House Cover
Lulu Home Wooden Insect House with Stake, Hanging & Inserting Two Mount Ways Insect Hotel for Bee, Butterfly, Ladybirds, Beneficial Insect Habitat, Bug Hotel Garden, 19.7 X 3.4 X 5.4 Inch

The Lulu Home Insect Hotel is made from natural wood and has a weather-resistant roof, so it lasts through different seasons without harm. Its non-toxic coating ensures it's safe for beneficial bugs. Inside, you'll find bamboo tubes and pine cones, creating a cozy space that attracts helpful insects like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. This means you can support pollination and natural pest control in your garden, helping your plants grow healthier. Plus, it offers flexible placement options with a ground stake and hanging loop, allowing you to easily set it up wherever it fits best in your outdoor space.

What We Like
Charming garden decoration
Sturdy wooden construction
Multiple insect compartments
Helps beneficial insects
Easy assembly
What We Don't Like
Packaging could be better
May take time for bugs
#TOP 2

MrHN Basic Pine Wood Squirrel House

MRHN
131334
Brown
MrHN Basic Pine Wood Squirrel House Cover
MrHN Small Size Squirrel House - Easy Assembly Squirrel Houses for Outside Nesting, Squirrel Nesting Box, Squirrel Boxes for Outside, Chipmunk Houses MrHN Basic

The MrHN Squirrel Nest Box is made from natural pine wood, giving it a rustic look that fits nicely in your garden or backyard. Its perfect size offers squirrels a cozy place to live, with a 3.15-inch entry hole that makes it easy for them to come and go. Weighing only 2.5 pounds, you can easily move and install it wherever you like. The front panel opens fully, so you can clean and maintain the house without any hassle. Plus, it comes with pre-drilled holes and screws, making setup quick and simple for you.

What We Like
Easy assembly
Sturdy construction
Attractive appearance
Good value
What We Don't Like
Opening may be large
Soft pine wood
#TOP 3

GardeningProducts4Less Wooden Insect House

GardeningProducts4Less Wooden Insect House Cover
Wooden Insect House, Insect Hotel for Bugs, Bees, Butterflys, Ladybirds, Natural Beneficial Insect Habitat for Garden and Yard

GardeningProducts4Less Insect Hotel is a natural cedar wood house with multiple compartments for beneficial insects. It comes with a ground stake for easy setup. This insect hotel attracts native bees and butterflies, essential for pollinating your garden. The various compartments provide ideal breeding and settling spaces for beneficial insects, helping to control pests naturally in your yard. Invite these beneficial insects to your garden with GardeningProducts4Less Insect Hotel!

What We Like
Sturdy wood construction
Charming garden design
Multiple insect compartments
Easy assembly and installation
Attracts beneficial insects
What We Don't Like
Occasional quality issues
Some insects not attracted
#TOP 4

SparkJump Bug Hotel Kit

Bug Hotel NEW
Natural Cedar Wood
1 Pack
SparkJump Bug Hotel Kit Cover
SparkJump Premium Bug Hotel Kit, DIY Cedar Wood Craft for Building Bee, Ladybug, or Butterfly Houses, Educational Kit for Kids, Parents and Teachers

The SparkJump Bug Hotel is a delightful DIY craft kit that allows you and your children to create a charming habitat for beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. Made from solid cedar wood, it ensures durability while enhancing your garden's ecosystem. This kit is designed for easy hanging, making it convenient for kids to build their own insect homes. It serves as an educational tool, teaching children about the vital role of pollinators while providing a fun and engaging activity. With various materials included, you can customize the hotel to attract different insects, promoting a vibrant garden.

What We Like
Fun family activity
Easy to assemble
Complete kit, all included
Sturdy materials
Clear instructions
What We Don't Like
Wood quality could be better
Price slightly high
#TOP 5

Nature's Way PWH1-B Purple Bee House

PWH1-B
Purple
Nature's Way PWH1-B Purple Bee House Cover
Nature's Way Bird Products PWH1-B Purple Bee House

The Nature's Way Bee House is designed to enhance your garden's productivity by attracting solitary bees that can pollinate significantly more than traditional honeybees. By providing various hollow tubes, it supports different types of gentle pollinators, helping to enrich biodiversity in your garden. Made from eco-friendly bamboo, this bee house offers an ideal environment for these beneficial insects to lay their eggs, promoting their population growth. Its easy-mount design ensures a quick setup, allowing you to effortlessly add a unique decorative touch to your outdoor space.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Attracts mason bees
Easy installation
Cute garden decor
Good value
What We Don't Like
Minor durability issues
Flimsy hanging string
#TOP 6

POLLIBEE Wax Coated Wooden Mason Bee House

mason-3
Brown
POLLIBEE Wax Coated Wooden Mason Bee House Cover
Mason Bee House -Wax Coated Mason House for The Garden, Natural Handmade Wooden Waterproof Mason Home, Attracts Peaceful Bee Pollinators,Native Mason Bee Habitat

The POLLIBEE Mason Bee House is designed to attract native mason bees to your garden, helping to boost pollination and support plant growth. The house features a natural beeswax coating that shields it from rain, increasing its durability and ensuring it lasts through various weather conditions. It comes fully assembled, so you can easily hang it on a tree or wall using the stainless steel clasp included. Inside, the house offers two types of habitats—a removable paper tube and a wooden block with 5/16" diameter tubes—providing a comfortable space for bees to nest. This thoughtful design helps create a welcoming environment for bees, promoting a healthier garden ecosystem.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Easy to hang
Attractive garden design
Weather-resistant beeswax coating
Appeals to pollinators
What We Don't Like
Minor weatherproofing issues
Occasional odor
#TOP 7

Elipark Wooden Mason Insect Bee Butterfly House

Elipark
brown
Elipark Wooden Mason Insect Bee Butterfly House Cover
Elipark Wooden Mason Insect Bee Butterfly House,Insect Hotel,an Outdoor Hanging Bamboo Habitat for Bee Butterfly Ladybugs Live,Bee Box,Butterfly Habitat for Garden,9 x 15.7 x 2.5 Inch

The Elipark Wooden Mason Insect Bee Butterfly House is a perfect addition to any garden. Made of natural materials, it features multiple holes to accommodate more bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. The metal roof and waterproof design protect it from the weather, and its suspension design allows you to hang it anywhere you like. This insect hotel provides a perfect habitat, hatchery, or shelter from rain for your garden insects.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Attractive yard decor
Encourages pollinators
Easy to hang
Fun for children
What We Don't Like
Hanging hardware could improve
Minor design flaws
#TOP 8

Navaris Cardboard Bee Nesting Tubes 6" Pack of 200

53331.01_m001959
Light Brown
Navaris Cardboard Bee Nesting Tubes 6" Pack of 200 Cover
Navaris Cardboard Bee Nesting Tubes (Pack of 200) - 6" Long x 5/16" Diameter Tube for Mason Solitary Bees - for Filling Insect Hotels and Bug Houses

The Navaris Bee Nesting Tubes are a great way to attract solitary mason bees to your garden, helping to boost pollination for your flowers and plants. Made from 100% recyclable paper, these tubes offer a safe and eco-friendly home for bees, with smooth sides that allow easy entry and exit. Each pack contains 200 tubes, each measuring 6 inches long and 0.3 inches in diameter, providing plenty of nesting space. You can use these tubes to build a new bug hotel or replace old tubes in existing insect houses, making it easy to support local bee populations and enjoy a thriving garden.

What We Like
Consistent tube size
Durable construction
Easy to cut
Effective for mason bees
Versatile uses
What We Don't Like
May need cutting for small houses
#TOP 9

hewewor Mason Bee House Hexagon Wooden Bee Box

hewewor
Brown
hewewor Mason Bee House Hexagon Wooden Bee Box Cover
Mason Bee House Native Bee Hive Hexagon Bee House Handmade Wooden Mason Bee Box Habitat Home Hotel with Tubes -Attracts Peaceful Bee Pollinators to Enhance Your Garden's Productivity

The hewewor Mason Bee House is a sturdy and well-designed bee hotel made from solid pine wood, perfect for attracting mason bees to your garden. Measuring 8 by 8 by 4 inches, it offers a durable and safe space for native pollinators to nest, helping to boost your garden's productivity. The house includes about 90 nesting tubes, providing plenty of room for bees to settle in comfortably. It also comes with a hanging rope and metal wall buckle, making it easy for you to place the bee house wherever you want. This bee house is an excellent gift for anyone who loves gardening and wants to support local bee populations.

What We Like
High-quality construction
Attractive design
Supports multiple bee species
Encourages pollinators
Easy to hang
What We Don't Like
Non-removable back
Some loose bamboo tubes
#TOP 10

Sundia Pine Squirrel Family Nesting Box

generic
LS-1
pine
Sundia Pine Squirrel Family Nesting Box Cover
Sundia Large Squirrel Family House Pine with Coating Nesting Wooden Box for Breeding Living

The Sundia Squirrel Nest Box is crafted from solid wood, making it very sturdy and safe, so you can trust it as a secure home for your squirrel family. Inside, it offers plenty of room for squirrels to nest comfortably or take shelter. The design includes protective guards around the entrance, ensuring your squirrels stay safe while allowing you to watch them through a clear wall. Plus, the roof keeps rain out, so your squirrels stay dry and cozy. This box also features a small platform below the entrance that acts like a balcony, where squirrels can play or eat, giving you a fun view of their activities.

What We Like
Pre-assembled and easy installation
Sturdy and durable construction
Good value for money
Well-designed for predator protection
Clear instructions and helpful features
What We Don't Like
Higher price point
Limited entry hole orientation options
Buying Guide Image

What You Need to Know About Backyard Insect Hotels

Introduction

Insect hotels, also known as bug hotels or insect shelters, are a popular addition to many backyard gardens. These structures provide a safe and sheltered space for beneficial insects to live, rest, and lay their eggs. By attracting insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and bees, insect hotels can help to enhance the biodiversity of your garden and support the overall health of your plants.

But with so many different types of insect hotels available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your backyard. In this article, we'll provide some helpful tips and considerations to keep in mind when selecting the perfect insect hotel for your garden.

Factors to Consider

When choosing an insect hotel, there are a few key factors to consider in order to ensure that it will be suitable for the types of insects you want to attract. These include:

  • Size and shape: Insect hotels come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, from small, compact structures to large, multi-story hotels. Consider the size and layout of your backyard and choose a size and shape that will fit comfortably in your space.

  • Material: Insect hotels are made from a variety of materials, including wood, straw, bamboo, and even recycled materials like plastic bottles and old tea bags. Consider the durability and sustainability of the materials used in the insect hotel, as well as how well they will withstand the elements.

  • Cavities and nesting materials: The cavities and nesting materials inside the insect hotel are important for providing a comfortable and safe space for insects to live. Look for hotels that have a variety of cavity sizes and shapes, as well as a range of nesting materials like straw, twigs, and bamboo.

  • Location: The location of the insect hotel is also important for attracting and supporting beneficial insects. Choose a spot in your backyard that is sheltered from strong winds and direct sunlight, and that has access to a water source.

Types of Insect Hotels

Insect hotels come in a wide range of styles and designs, each of which is suitable for different types of insects. Some popular types of insect hotels include:

  • Solitary bee hotels: These structures are specifically designed to attract solitary bees, which are important pollinators for many types of plants. Solitary bee hotels often have a series of narrow, vertical tubes or hollow stems for the bees to nest in.

  • Ladybug houses: Ladybugs are a beneficial insect that feed on a range of garden pests, including aphids and mites. Ladybug houses often have a series of shallow, flat cavities for the ladybugs to lay their eggs in.

  • Butterfly houses: Butterfly houses are designed to provide a sheltered space for butterflies to rest and lay their eggs. These structures often have a series of shallow, flat cavities or a series of small, vertical tubes for the butterflies to use.

Conclusion

Choosing the right insect hotel for your backyard can be a fun and rewarding experience. By considering factors like size, material, cavities and nesting materials, and location, you can choose an insect hotel that will attract and support a diverse range of beneficial insects in your garden. Whether you're looking to attract solitary bees, ladybugs, or butterflies, there's an insect hotel that's perfect for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is the best place to put an insect hotel?

To attract solitary bees, it is best to place insect hotels facing east or southeast, receiving full morning sun. The hotels should be positioned 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters) above the ground. Additionally, the area in front of the insect hotel should be clear of plants and vegetation that could obstruct the tunnel entrances.

2. Do bug hotels help bees?

Yes, bug hotels are beneficial for bees. They provide shelter and nesting sites for both native and migratory solitary bees. By installing a bee hotel, you can support bee populations and promote the important pollination services they offer. Bees are highly effective and abundant pollinators in natural and agricultural habitats.

3. Are bug hotels good for gardens?

Bug hotels are excellent additions to gardens. They provide crucial shelter and nesting sites for native and migratory solitary insects. These tiny creatures, including pollinators, are essential for the health and success of plants. By attracting beneficial insects and protecting vulnerable pollinators, bug hotels contribute to creating a thriving garden ecosystem.

4. What is the best material for a bug hotel?

The best materials for bug hotels include dead wood, loose bark, bamboo, reeds, and drilled logs. These components provide shelter for a variety of insects such as beetles, centipedes, spiders, woodlice, and solitary bees. It is important to avoid plastic and use natural materials to create suitable habitats for insects.

5. What are the measurements for a bug hotel?

Bug hotels are typically small cabin-like structures, measuring around 20 to 30 cm in width. These structures are divided into different compartments, each designed to accommodate a different type of insect shelter. The open front allows insects to enter and exit the hotel freely, providing them with a safe and comfortable habitat.

6. Will a bee hotel attract wasps?

Bee hotels often attract a variety of insects due to the availability of food sources nearby, including nectar and pollen. Wasps, being opportunistic feeders, can be attracted to the food provided by these hotels. While bee hotels primarily aim to support bees, it is possible that they may also attract wasps along with other insects.

Editor's Notes

During our backyard insect hotel research, we found 24 backyard insect hotel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 24,613 customer reviews through our big data system to write the backyard insect hotels list. We found that most customers choose backyard insect hotels with an average price of $26.39.

The backyard insect hotels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of backyard insect hotels, including Lulu Home, MRHN, GardeningProducts4Less, SparkJump, Nature's Way. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 372 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Darin Boyd Avatar

Darin Boyd runs a small pest control business in Texas, and he is a regionally renowned pest control expert. His areas of expertise include pest control, gardening and outdoor gear. He is willing to share some practical tips on how to protect plants and vegetables from pests.

Backyard Insect Hotels Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Lulu Home MRHN GardeningProducts4Less SparkJump Nature's Way POLLIBEE Elipark Navaris hewewor generic
Item Weight 1.2 pounds 2 pounds 13.2 ounces 1.5 pounds 1.37 pounds 3.85 pounds 4.34 pounds 10.9 ounces 2.4 pounds 3 pounds
Color Brown Brown Wooden Natural Cedar Wood Purple Brown brown Light Brown Brown pine
Material Fir Wood Premium Wood Bamboo, Cedar Wood, Copper, Metal, Pine Cones Solid Cedar Wood, Bamboo Tubes, Leaf Cutter Bee Houses, Mason Bee Houses Pine Wood Wood Metal Paper Bamboo, Metal, Wood Wood
Style Modern Traditional Rustic Hanging Bug Hotel, DIY Craft Kit, Cedar Bug House, Pollinator Hotel Bee House Modern A Traditional Hexagon,Box Modern
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H 10.48 x 5.55 x 3.82 inches 10.79 x 10.43 x 3.43 inches 12.17 x 3.86 x 2.83 inches 12.76 x 7.2 x 3.7 inches - 10.12 x 8.15 x 7.68 inches 16.57 x 11.93 x 4.29 inches - 8.7 x 7.56 x 4.96 inches 17.68 x 12.4 x 7.05 inches
Item Dimensions LxWxH 5.4 x 10.4 x 3.4 inches 7 x 10 x 10 inches 12 x 3.5 x 24 inches 8 x 6 x 12 inches - 6.1 x 6.7 x 9.8 inches 9 x 15.7 x 2.5 inches - 3.23 x 3.23 x 1.69 inches 16.2 x 6.1 x 11.4 inches
Brand Name Lulu Home MRHN GardeningProducts4Less SparkJump - POLLIBEE Elipark - hewewor generic
Specific Uses for Product Outdoor Outdoor Garden, Yard, Patio, Outdoor Outdoor - - Outdoor - - Outdoor
Model Name 8010 BasicSquirrelHouse13 Pollination Castle Bug Hotel NEW - - - - - LS
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
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