DIY Bee Hotel in a Mug – A Charming Way to Help Pollinators

Bees are some of the hardest-working little gardeners in our backyards. Without them, we wouldn’t have lush flowers, thriving veggies, or even half the fruit we enjoy. While honeybees get most of the spotlight, solitary bees like mason bees and leafcutter bees are equally important – and they’re surprisingly easy to help.
One of the simplest, most rewarding ways to do it? Make them a cosy little bee hotel – and today, we’re making ours inside a recycled mug! This project is not only functional for our pollinator friends, but it also adds a pop of charm to your garden.

Get more details about this project

What you need

• 1 sturdy ceramic mug (brightly painted or decorated for a cheerful touch) 
• Hollow plant stems (like bamboo, elder, or sunflower stalks) 
• Garden secateurs or pruners 
• A small piece of cardboard (to fit snugly inside the mug as a backing) 

Twine or garden wire (optional for extra security)

Instructions

Solitary bees don’t live in hives. Instead, they find small holes, hollow stems, and nooks to lay their eggs. Urban gardens and tidy yards often lack enough of these spots, so a bee hotel offers them a safe place to rest and nest. Plus, it’s a great educational project for kids and a quick weekend craft for adults.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Gather and Prepare Your Stems

Choose stems that are naturally hollow and cut them into lengths slightly shorter than the depth of your mug. A length of about 7–10 cm works perfectly. Make sure each piece has at least one open end for the bees to enter.

Step 2 – Add a Backing

Cut a circle of cardboard to fit tightly inside the base of your mug. This keeps the stems from sliding out and gives the bees a nice sheltered back wall.

 

Step 3 – Pack the Mug

Arrange the cut stems inside the mug so they fit snugly together. Aim for a variety of hole sizes – different bee species prefer different diameters.

Step 4 – Hang Your Bee Hotel

Choose a sunny, sheltered spot, ideally facing south or southeast. You can slip the handle over a sturdy branch or secure it to a fence post with wire. Keep it about a metre off the ground to protect it from moisture and curious pets.

 

Caring for Your Bee Hotel

• Leave it in place year-round – bees may use it in spring and summer, and overwinter inside in colder months. 
• Avoid cleaning it during winter – wait until early spring to remove any debris, ensuring you don’t disturb developing bees. 
• Replace worn stems every 1–2 years to prevent parasites and mould. 

Unlike bulky bee hotels, this mug version is compact, portable, and perfect for small gardens, patios, or even balconies. The cheerful design makes it a lovely gift for garden lovers – and it’s a brilliant way to reuse old mugs instead of tossing them.