Shelter
One of the most crucial things you can do for autumn insects is to provide ample shelter. Many species, like ladybirds and certain solitary bees, will seek out protected spots to overwinter. Consider leaving areas of your garden a little tidier than usual. Piles of leaves, log piles, and even hollow plant stems can offer essential refuge. Solitary bees in particular like holes drilled into fence posts of about 8-10mm wide. An insect or bug hotel can also be a fantastic addition, providing bespoke nooks and crannies for a variety of beneficial insects (though these are worth waiting until March-time to introduce now).
Don’t be too tidy
While the urge to “tidy up” the garden in autumn can be strong, resisting the urge to be overly meticulous can be a huge benefit to insects. Dead plant material, spent flower heads, and fallen leaves all offer valuable insulation and hiding spots. Think of it as creating a natural blanket for your garden’s mini-beasts.
Food Sources
Although many flowers are past their prime, some late-flowering plants can still provide vital nectar and pollen for insects that remain active. Ivy, for example, is a fantastic late-season food source for bees and hoverflies. Planting other autumn-flowering plants like Asters, Sedums, and Rudbeckia can also help provide a crucial energy boost for insects preparing for hibernation or migration and might give you a much-needed late-season splash of colour too.
Water and Hydration:
Even in autumn, insects need access to water. A shallow dish filled with pebbles or gravel, topped up with water, can provide a safe drinking spot without the risk of drowning.
Consider a Pond
If you have a pond, autumn is a good time to ensure it’s in good condition for aquatic insects. Remove excessive leaf litter, but leave some plant matter to provide cover and food. Dragonflies and damselflies, for instance, spend their larval stages in water, and a healthy pond environment is crucial for their survival. If you don’t have a pond, the easiest way to create one is to use an existing container. A wildlife pond doesn’t need to be big. Water is a real life-source for insects and even the smallest gardens can help insectlife by introducing even the smallest water-source.
