56 SCHWEGLER
Insect House
INSECT PROTECTION
Combining protection of species with an opportunity to experience nature! These SCHWEGLER nature conservation products attract such
beneficial creatures as solitary bees, sabre wasps, ants and spiders. And best of all, the creatures that one is protecting can be observed and their life
cycles can be studied.
These SCHWEGLER products provide homes for useful creatures such as Solitary Bees, Parasitical Hymenoptera, Ants, Spiders and other small creatures.
They also let you study your Insects and observe their life cycle. Whether in the garden or on a balcony, these nesting aids are a reliable and relaxing way of
making observations and gaining knowledge. Closer contact with this group of animals, and an awareness of their beauty, are the basis for greater respect
for wildlife. These nesting aids are perfect for nurseries, schools, colleges and wildlife centres as well as private gardens. Their designs allow creatures
to be observed with minimal disturbance.
» NESTING AIDS for solitary insects
Most species of Hymenoptera that live in hollows and recesses do not make
the excavations themselves. Instead they occupy existing holes, made by
certain types of Beetles, in which they construct their brood cells. Because
they regulate the numbers of insect pests, Hymenoptera are of major
ecological and agricultural (and also economic) importance. They also have
an important part to play as pollinators in the balance of nature. Much of
our countryside has been cleared and cultivated and consequently there
are not enough natural nesting places. Everyone should make an effort to
provide nesting aids for insects.
Suitable sites: There are no hard and fast rules for siting but care should
be taken to select a sunny site that is protected from wind and rain.
Examples of good sites include allotment sheds, pergolas, walls, gardens
and even balconies up to the third or fourth floor. Nesting aids should also
be left outside during the winter because otherwise the Insects will emerge
from their winter hiding places too early and die.
Occupants: Hymenoptera such as Wild Bees, Sand Wasps and
Common Wasps.
Effectiveness: The type of nesting aid that proves most popular with
flying and other types of Insects will differ depending on the landscape
and vegetation. In central Europe there are almost 600 species of Wild
Bees, each with its own micro-climatic requirements with regard to
habitat. Occupation densities vary among the different insect nesting aids
depending on whether they are made of wood, clay, reed or wood-concrete.
Simply hang up our different nesting aids and see for yourself.
Important! All the species that will use these nesting aids are peaceful
and completely harmless to humans and pets.
These devices are maintenance-free, please do not try to clean, since you
might destroy intact cells.
» INSECT HOUSE D.B.P. | for solitary insects
This is intended for the occupants described above (commonly called
"Wild Bees"). For the first time, it is now possible to study the previously
hidden life and development of our solitary Bees and Wasps by lifting out
the front panel with its transparent nesting tubes. It is possible to watch
the cycle from egg-laying to development of the larvae, right up until the
time the insect leaves the brood chamber the next season. Note that it is
essential to properly replace the front panel after each inspection to keep
the insects in darkness.
We strongly recommend sunny places for this device!
Occupants and siting: Please see above.
Material: Box: wood-concrete with weatherproof wooden front panel.
Interior: transparent nesting tubes of different diameters.
External dimensions: height 33 x width 21 x depth 15 cm.
Weight: approx. 9.2 kg.
Order No. 00 373/7
Transparent tubes can be obtained
separately as replacements.
This diagram below shows the
structure of a Mason Bee breeding
tube.
A: empty cell
B: brood cell
C: larvae
D: nest seal
E: partition
F: pollen bread
VV Example of occupation
brood cell with
egg on pollen
bread
brood cell with
feeding larva
brood cell with
pupa in cocoon,
cut open