How to Make a Butterfly Feeder
Butterflies can add an unexpected burst of color to your yard throughout the summer as they embark each day on their quest for sweet, sweet nectar. And with a little bit of craftiness, you can attract these butterflies to your own backyard. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Small jar
- Nail and drill
- Sponge
- String/fishing line
- Decorations (markers, photos, etc.)
- Sugar water
Instructions
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1
Punch a small hole in the lid of the jar, perhaps with a nail or drill.
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2
Cut off a small strip of kitchen sponge, and pull it through the hole until 1/2 inch sticks out from the top of the lid. Make as tight a fit as possible--if, later, the hole drips when you turn the jar upside down, use a bigger strip of sponge.
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3
Tie a length of string or fishing line around the mouth of your jar. Take another string, about a few feet long, and tie each end to opposite sides of the jar's mouth--for example, at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. Tie another piece of string of identical length at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock. Tie the middle of the strings together, and turn the jar upside down to make sure it hangs evenly.
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4
Decorate the jar with bright colors or pictures of flowers. These will help to attract butterflies.
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5
Fill the jar with sugar water (9 parts water, 1 part sugar) and screw the lid on tightly.
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6
Suspend your feeder outside on a convenient tree branch, and wait.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also attract butterflies with rotten or overripe fruit placed on a suspended plate. This method, while smellier, will attract different species--although it may also attract wasps.
Comments
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Karen Cotton
Apr 01, 2009
Great idea - will definitely try this one out! Thanks for sharing! -
GreenMomma
Mar 31, 2009
Isn't that an adorable idea!