▲The safer the animals feel, the more likely they will be to habitually visit your yard.

▲It is also a good idea to avoid leaving out strong-smelling kitchen scraps and food, as they will attract pests.

▲Honey bee populations are currently in decline. Planting a wide variety of colorful flowers will not only attract them, it will allow them to thrive.

▲Animals will need plentiful and clean sources of water. Moving water, such as in a man-made waterfall, is more likely to attract birds.

▲Dogs and cats may destroy the wildlife habitats in your garden, so keep them confined to certain areas of the yard.

▲You can also purchase a bird bath with a built-in fountain that circulates water.

▲If you must keep your yard fenced, it doesn't mean you won't attract wildlife. The little critters will still find their way through and larger animals will graze along the outer edge, especially if you leave food for them.

▲A tried and proven way to attract birds is to place several types of bird feeders around the yard and include a variety of nut, seed, and fruit choices.

▲Include pockets of densely planted vegetation throughout the yard for regional birds to use as shelter.

▲Take advantage of food-producing plants and flowers when planting your garden. Berry bushes and seed-bearing flowers are popular choices.

▲This critter doesn't like being out in the open and will head towards tall trees with plenty of branches and foliage to build their nests.

▲Evergreen trees and shrubs will attract wildlife all year round.

▲Pesticides and other chemical contaminants should be off-limits in your yard. They will deter animals from making their home there and possibly even harm them.

▲If you want to avoid attracting rodents and raccoons, avoid leaving trash bins open or exposed.

▲Providing multiple bird baths, especially in different widths and depths, will attract other animals to your garden, such as rabbits and deer.

▲Just like bees, butterflies are drawn by vibrant colors.

▲Basic seed mixes are a good starter for your bird feeders. However, more specialized foods will attract different species. For example, jays and magpies love peanut butter and orioles will gorge themselves on chunks of fruit.

▲Offer plenty of weeds, grass clippings, dead flowers, leaves, and even bits of cotton or pet fur for birds and small critters to make their homes.

▲This woodland animal will be attracted to wax myrtle, blackberry, and spicebush.

▲This animal will return time and again for nuts and berries, although they will also eat insects, worms, and bird eggs.

▲Nectar feeders will attract these colorful, little birds to your yard. Orioles and woodpeckers will also enjoy the nectar.

▲This animal will be drawn by green foliage and vegetables, if you choose to plant them in your yard.

▲While birds prefer building nests in trees, they will also appreciate small, warm shelters, such as birdhouses.

▲The structure also functions as a safe spot for hibernating insects such as butterflies and ladybugs.

▲Trees with easily scalable bark are preferred.

▲Also known as a bug hotel, this structure provides a variety of "rooms" to attract and house creepy-crawler visitors.

▲There are four key ingredients to creating a garden space that critters will want to live in—food, water, shelter, and room.

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You will get a sense of what each animal likes and needs and determine how you can improve your backyard to maximize the number of animals that make their home there.

Tips to turn your garden into a wildlife sanctuary

Attract critters to your backyard

04/08/24 por StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Gardening

Are you looking to attract birds, critters, and insects to your garden and turn it into a wildlife refuge? The good news is that all you need to do is add a few new features to your yard to attract varied animal species from far and wide.

Browse through the following gallery for some tips on how to make your backyard wildlife-friendly, safe, and appealing for all sorts of animals!