Food. Provide food in the form of plants that bear seed, fruit, foliage or flowers that you’re willing to have eaten by birds, larval butterflies (caterpillars) or adult butterflies. Berries, fleshy fruits, nuts and acorns are all treats for wildlife. Wildlife find meadow grasses especially attractive, and the grasses add a graceful feature to any landscape.
Running water. The sound of running water will attract wildlife to your yard. This sound could come from a natural feature, such as a pond, creek or other body of fresh water. A fountain will also beckon wildlife. Even a simple birdbath that captures rainwater can suffice. Empty and clean your birdbath every few days. Do not clean it with soap or bleach; just physically scrub all surfaces with a brush or scouring-type sponge. Changing water regularly prevents mosquito breeding and bacterial contamination.
Birds. To attract birds, design planted areas that include a tree canopy, smaller understory trees and shrubs, and grasses or flowers. Allow grasses and flowers to go to seed on occasion — this is a real draw for birds.
Butterflies. A combination of both larval (caterpillar) and nectar plants will attract a variety of butterflies to your yard. Nectar plants are those that unfurl flowers, and profuse bloomers are even better. consult your LSU AgCenter parish extension office for examples of plants that attract butterflies.
Caterpillars. These are the larvae of butterflies and moths. Each butterfly species lays its eggs on a preferred host plant, which may differ from the adul
ts’ preferred nectar source. The caterpillars of butterflies must eat to grow large enough to form a chrysalis, so they often strip larval plants of leaves. If you want to attract butterflies to your yard, expect a certain level of damage. One way to keep outdoor living areas attractive and to cultivate a crop of butterflies is to intersperse larval and nectar plants in a bed. Or devote to larval plants an entire planting area that is out of view.
Snags. Leave dead trees in place if they do not create a hazard. Many birds use snags for perching, nesting and feeding.
Manage pets. If you permit pets to harass wildlife, you will only frustrate any efforts you make toward attracting wildlife. This is especially true for house cats allowed to roam in yards. If you permit your cat to wander in your yard, it is better not to try to attract birds and other animals whose lives would be in danger.
Reduce insecticide use. Each time you apply an insecticide to your landscape, you reduce insect populations, which form an important food
source for birds. Some chemicals also can poison birds and other animals that feed on affected insects.
Reduce the amount of mowed lawn area. Over time, unmowed areas contain more plant species than mowed areas. Reduce the mowed area around your house, especially in low-traffic areas, such as corners of the yard. In other spots, trade turf for diverse plant species that will create shelter and food for many animal species. Plant diversity attracts more wildlife species.
Increase vertical layering. Plant a variety of plants in different sizes and heights. This provides more cover and feeding opportunities for wildlife species.