Our Bug Hotel Project
At Domestic & General Property Support Services, we believe that even the smallest efforts can help shape a healthier planet. Recently, our team had the pleasure of installing a bug hotel for one of our clients, Aramark, at their IDA Swords site; a project that not only enhances the garden’s natural beauty but also supports Ireland’s native biodiversity in a very real way.
What Is a Bug Hotel?
A bug hotel, or insect house, is a simple yet powerful way to give nature a helping hand. These structures provide shelter, nesting, and hibernation spaces for beneficial insects such as solitary bees, ladybirds, lacewings, and beetles; all of which play vital roles in keeping gardens and ecosystems healthy.
Each compartment in a bug hotel is filled with natural Irish materials like bamboo canes, drilled logs, branches, bark, and straw, creating safe, dry, and insulated spots for insects to thrive throughout the year.
Why Bug Hotels Matter in Ireland
Ireland’s pollinators are under pressure due to habitat loss, pesticides, and changes in land use. Bug hotels offer a simple but meaningful way to help reverse this decline. Here’s how they make a difference:
- Encouraging pollination – Native solitary bees and other pollinators use the hotel to rest and nest, helping local plants, fruit trees, and wildflowers to flourish.
- Reducing pesticide use – Insects like ladybirds feed on aphids and other pests, offering natural pest control for Irish gardens.
- Supporting biodiversity – Each bug hotel becomes a mini ecosystem, attracting a variety of species that contribute to a balanced environment.
- Connecting people with nature – Whether in schools, public spaces, or private gardens, bug hotels inspire curiosity and raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
Our Installation
Our newly installed bug hotel at IDA Swords stands proudly within a freshly landscaped area, surrounded by pollinator-friendly plants; chosen to attract bees and butterflies from early spring through late autumn.
The structure itself is crafted from locally sourced, untreated wood, ensuring it blends naturally into the Irish landscape while providing durability and weather resistance. Installed on sturdy supports and positioned in partial sun, it offers an ideal environment for insects to thrive safely.
By adding this feature, our client, Aramark, has created more than just a garden accent; they’ve established a lasting contribution to sustainability and biodiversity in Ireland.
A Small Step Toward a Sustainable Future
At Domestic & General Property Support Services, we’re passionate about projects that make a real difference: from sustainable landscaping to eco-friendly property maintenance. Every action, no matter how small, helps protect our shared environment.
Together, we can nurture a more sustainable Ireland - one bug hotel at a time.
