Abstract

As many insect species decline due to climate change, managing populations of native pollinator species is more important than ever. Pollinator hotels can provide a safe, protected space suited for many insects. However, these areas also attract parasites, including several species of parasitic wasps, which can multiply if hotels are not maintained. Pollinator hotels are usually filled with a variety of different materials, including cardboard, reeds, bamboo, wooden blocks, and native plant stems. This study sought to determine whether any materials used for pollinator hotels are more or less prone to parasitic infestation. We first conducted a survey to determine which species were present in the UNC Asheville Pollinator hotel. Second, we collected samples of nests of different material types and reared them to observe any differences in parasite load. Third, we investigated overwintering boxes as a tool to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of pollinator hotels, which results in a reduced parasite burden. We observed that cardboard tubes were far more susceptible to parasitic infection than other materials. Removal of these materials, coupled with regular maintenance, may help safeguard against parasitism. These results will provide guidance for selecting nest materials that safeguard pollinators and improve pollinator health in a wide variety of ecosystems.

Keywords

Pollination, Pollinator hotel, Parasites

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