Insects have very different hibernation strategies. Some survive the cold season as eggs or pupae, while others seek out a sheltered place and fall into hibernation. Eggs in particular are often laid under leaves or on stems. If the shrubs are not cut back until spring, they can hibernate in peace. Hollow stems also provide suitable winter quarters. Seed-bearing shrubs, such as wild rose and hawthorn, also provide a source of food for birds and other wildlife.

Most amateur gardeners know that leaves damage the lawn and should therefore be removed over large areas. But why not leave a pile of leaves in a sheltered spot? Or spread the leaves under trees and large shrubs to protect them from frost? Piles of leaves serve as winter quarters for many insects and animals:

• Ladybugs like to hibernate in cavities. These can be cracks in walls and rafters, but also piles of leaves. In spring, these beneficial beetles can then resume their fight against aphids.
• Some butterfly species spend the winter in the pupal stage. They also like to be deposited in the leaves.
• Toads usually hibernate in the burrows of mice or moles. However, they also like to use large piles of leaves as winter quarters.
• A large pile of leaves, brushwood, and wood is the ideal winter shelter for hedgehogs. They usually go into hibernation in November. It is therefore important not to move the piles of leaves from this time onwards. Dormice and wild hamsters also like to hibernate in such piles of leaves and brushwood.

Tree bark, hollow branches, and dead wood are welcome places to hibernate. In addition to wild bees, many other insect species also need this opportunity to store food and find a suitable place to hibernate. Since some butterflies hibernate in the caterpillar stage, they need rough bark and stems to hide in. Suitable food plants (e.g., horseshoe vetch, violets, and ribwort plantain) also help them to get a head start in spring.

In addition to the options mentioned above, insect hotels are also suitable as winter quarters for beneficial insects. Under no circumstances should you store the insect hotel in a warm basement or garage over the winter. In late fall, wild bees, earwigs, or lacewings will have nested there and stored their supplies. Moving them to a place that is too warm will disturb their hibernation. A sunny location that is also protected from rain and wind is recommended. Moisture must not be allowed to penetrate from below either. For this reason, the hotel should not be placed directly on the ground.