Bee/Bug House Gourd DIY

Vicky Kloppenborg
by Vicky Kloppenborg
2 Materials
$5.00
2 Days
Medium
AHH, Springtime! Gardentime!
I have a passion for using reclaimed materials, glass, wire, and Mother Nature, to create unique pieces for my garden and home. I became intrigued with the idea of adding a few bee/bug houses after browsing through many wonderful Pinterest posts on garden projects over the winter. Not only beneficial, but a fun way to add a little unexpected charm and character to outdoor spaces.
Using a dried gourd, rummaged materials, and about $5.00 worth of bamboo, I recently finished my first habitat abode.
Cut the front off of a clean dried gourd. Clean out the inside. Drill holes in the bottom for drainage. Seal inside with thinned interior/exterior wood glue. Waterproof outside with Thompson's Water Seal.


After making a pattern from heavy paper, cut and shape a roof from scrap metal.
Old barn boards make a perfect rustic shelf. A small triangular piece was nailed to the front to brace the metal roof. Seal shelf with Thompson's Water Seal.
Staple the roof in place and secure the gourd to the back of the shelf with a screw and fender washer.
Lay the shelf flat to fill with bamboo. Begin in the center with a bundle of bamboo, cut the same length, and wrapped with rubber bands.
To read the complete blog post, please visit:
Suggested materials:
  • Bamboo reeds   (garden center at Home Depot and Menards)
  • Dried gourd   (homegrown)
Vicky Kloppenborg
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  2 questions
  • Sue Sue on May 01, 2016
    How would bees build a honeycomb inside a structure like that?
  • Suni Jordan Suni Jordan on May 01, 2016
    Any one know of simple honey bee hive that is small like this so as not to attract too many bees?
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  • Debbie Debbie on May 08, 2016
    perfect idea for wood bees....it would keep them from making holes in your house, deck, etc...plus they are good for pollinating plants...they dont sting...i find them to be very cute!
  • Deltamom Deltamom on Jul 10, 2016
    i love ur garden. beautiful before and after. the Bees know who their friend is!!
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