RSPCA Education - Lessons and Activity Library - Education
Build ladybirds a home
Create a safe and warm home for ladybirds, whether in your garden or in a community space.
Last edited: 11/04/2024
Before you get started
Items you may need
- Small logs
- Drill
- Saw
- Pine cones
- Straw
- Twigs
- Planks of wood or other repurposed materials to create a shelter
Remember young people should always be supervised when using tools.
![An above shot of two children holding pine cones in their hands.](https://education.rspca.org.uk/documents/22188003/25767870/iStock-1339292967-min.jpg/556a5a01-a8cb-ad2a-ccb3-835a4aa95788?t=1713345925841)
Instructions
Creating a home for ladybirds
Drill holes to form a log hide
Drill a number of holes in a log, with each hole pointing in a different direction. Ladybirds will make their way into the depths of the log to stay safe.
You could place the logs into a larger shelter, or use the drilled logs as standalone homes.
![A selection of small logs and rocks next to a garden fence.](https://education.rspca.org.uk/documents/22188003/25767870/20240326_135820-min.jpg/31c0ced2-6d9a-89e7-7bea-2e533e9b2ab2?t=1713345969885)
Create a shelter
Find materials to use as a frame and roof to keep the ladybird home protected from the weather.
Materials could include:
- Repurposed wood pallets
- Spare ceramic tiles
- Unused household items
Be creative – but make sure the shelter is safe.
![A small wooden pallet leaning up against a garden fence.](https://education.rspca.org.uk/documents/22188003/25767870/WhatsApp+Image+2024-03-21+at+16.31.02_23f0b4ac-min.jpg/627b4c6f-6be6-167b-a628-237e2f72bf89?t=1713345997254)
Fill the shelter with ‘bedding’
Fill your shelter with a variety of bedding to give ladybirds a choice.
We advise:
- Pinecones (Tip: dry your pinecones to open them up)
- Straw
- Twigs
Ladybirds will want to feel safe in a small protected space.
![A young child kneeling on the floor filling a teapot with straw.](https://education.rspca.org.uk/documents/22188003/25767870/WhatsApp+Image+2024-03-21+at+16.25.13_d78ab8cf+resized-min.jpg/c4504166-2c17-8490-72ce-b3b1af598e1d?t=1713346043177)
Receive your certificate
Upload a photograph of your ladybird home below and receive your certificate.
Share your work to inspire others and celebrate what you’ve achieved!
![A ladybird home made from a wooden pallet, pine cones, logs and hay-filled teapots.](https://education.rspca.org.uk/documents/22188003/25767870/20240326_091300-min.jpg/0bd3272a-94df-e937-d544-33fa2a979d39?t=1713346079029)
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