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Nesting & Overwintering Habitat

For Pollinators & Other Beneficial Insects

The availability of nesting and overwintering habitat is one of the most important factors influencing populations of native bees and other beneficial insects. Yet, traditional landscaping practices rarely leave enough natural resources to support pollinators and other wildlife. This guide focuses on a variety of natural nesting habitat features that can be readily incorporated into most landscapes. Compared to artificial nesting options such as bee blocks and bee hotels, natural nesting habitat features often better mimic the natural nest site density of insects, and also break down naturally with time, limiting disease and parasite issues. Moreover, natural nesting features often provide multiple conservation benefits. An appropriately managed wildflower planting, for example, can provide nesting sites, pollen, and nectar for bees; host plants and overwintering habitat for butterflies; and abundant food for songbirds.

Serial Number
18-014
Version Number
01