A question we have recently been asked is: "How are your DIY Bee Hotel Kits different from cheaper versions under £10?"
It’s a great question - there are many insect and bug hotels out there, including plenty available in supermarkets and garden centres. In fact, Blue Diamond, the largest garden centre group in the UK and the Channel Islands, proudly stocks our bee hotels.
What truly sets Beevive apart is the research, quality, and expertise that goes into every DIY Bee Hotel Kit we make and design.
🛠️ Thoughtfully Designed by Passionate Founders
Our hotels are created by our co-founders, Jake and Faye - with backgrounds in construction and product design. Their blend of technical skill and bee knowledge has enabled us to design something bee-autiful, functional, and genuinely beneficial for solitary bees.
🐝 Purpose-Built for Pollinators
Unlike many generic bug hotels, Beevive bee hotels are designed specifically for solitary bees, such as red mason and leafcutter bees. We use 15cm-long, 8mm-wide nesting tubes - the ideal size for these important pollinators to nest safely and successfully.
🌱 Made Sustainably in Devon
We’re a small independent business based in Devon. Every bee hotel is cut, engraved, and packed in-house, supporting local jobs and reducing transport emissions. We only use FSC and PEFC-certified wood, sourced from responsibly managed forests.
🔄 Reusable, Repairable & Educational
Thanks to a clever key-and-door design, our bee hotels are fully reusable - simply replace the nesting tubes each year. Assembling the kit is also a fun, hands-on learning experience for both adults and children, helping people understand how to support pollinators.
📬 Letterbox-Friendly & Perfect Gifting Activity
Our flat-packed kits are designed to fit through most standard letterboxes, making them ideal for gifting, mindful activities at home, or family nature projects. They’re plastic-free, easy to post, and come with everything you need to get started.
🤝 Support & Guidance
Each kit includes clear instructions, a practical installation checklist, and friendly support from our team - something you rarely get with mass-produced alternatives.
While you may find cheaper bee hotels elsewhere, at Beevive we bee-lieve in offering the best value:
✔️ For you
✔️ For solitary bees
✔️ And for the planet
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to help by email!
