How to Use a Can to Make a Bee Hotel for Solitary Bees

By Sheniece Chappell
Photographs by Michael Roytek

An empty tin can could help provide nesting sites for solitary bees. This bee hotel design mimics the types of structures they like to use. As pollinators, solitary bees help the environment thrive.

Want to make something more permanent? We also have step-by-step instructions for building a wooden bee house.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

15 sheets of construction paper
Can opener
Empty tin can (at least 4 to 6 inches deep)
Glue
Pencil
Ruler
Scissors
Tape
Toilet paper or paper towel rolls
Twigs or dry grass
Two 12-inch pieces of string
One 36-inch piece of string
Art supplies to decorate (optional)

WHAT YOU’LL DO TO BUILD A BEE HOTEL

Step 1: Carefully use a can opener to remove the top of a tin can. Empty, clean and dry the inside. Optional: If you want to decorate your bee hotel, use art supplies before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Cut 15 sheets of construction paper in half. Make sure each piece is a bit shorter than the tin can.

Step 3: Roll your paper around a pencil and secure it with tape. Gently remove the pencil. Repeat this until you have about 30 rolls. Make more if needed.

Step 4: Cover the inside bottom of the can with glue, and stick the toilet paper roll inside. If you’re using a paper towel roll, cut it in half before inserting. Place the thinner tubes inside. The roll will help keep them snug. Don’t squish the tubes!

Step 5: Place the twigs or dry grass around the rolls in the open spaces. This helps hold everything in place and provides insulation.

Step 6: Tie a 12-inch piece of string around each end of the can. Pass the 36-inch piece of string between the can and each of the other pieces of string. Tie the ends together, forming a loop to hang your bee hotel.

Step 7: Time to hang your bee hotel! With an adult’s help, find a tree or bush in a sunny location. Ensure the branch holding the hotel is sturdy so it doesn’t fall. Carefully check the bee hotel regularly to clean out any debris or dead insects. Replace nesting materials if they become damaged or moldy.