Butterfly Lure: How to Make a Banana Hanger and Attract Them to Your Garden

That’s a wonderful idea! Attracting butterflies to your garden is a joy, and using a banana hanger is a simple and effective way to offer them a sweet treat. Here’s how to make a banana hanger butterfly lure and attract these beautiful creatures:

Understanding Why Bananas Attract Butterflies:

Butterflies are attracted to the sugars and fermenting scent of overripe fruit. Bananas, especially when they start to brown, become a potent natural lure.

How to Make a Banana Hanger Butterfly Lure:

Materials:

• Overripe Bananas: The browner, the better!
• Hanger:
  • Simple Option: A piece of sturdy string, twine, or wire.
  • Slightly More Elaborate: An old clothes hanger (wire or plastic), a small plant hanger, or even a decorative hook.
• Method 1: Simple String Hanger
  1. Prepare the Banana: Peel the banana partially, leaving some of the peel attached to create a hanging point. You can also cut the banana in half or into chunks.
  2. Attach the String: Tie one end of your string or twine securely around the top of the banana (through the peel if possible) or through the center of a banana chunk.
  3. Hang: Find a suitable spot in your garden to hang the banana. Choose a location that is:
     • Sunny: Butterflies are attracted to warm, sunny areas.
     • Sheltered: A spot protected from strong winds will help the banana stay in place and make it easier for butterflies to land.
     • Visible: Make sure the hanger is easily visible to passing butterflies.
• Method 2: Clothes Hanger/Plant Hanger
  1. Prepare the Hanger: If using a clothes hanger, you can bend it into a shape that will hold the banana securely. For a plant hanger or decorative hook, it’s usually ready to go.
  2. Secure the Banana: You can either:
     • Place the peeled or partially peeled banana directly onto the hanger.
     • Use wire or string to tie pieces of banana to the hanger.
     • Place banana chunks in a small dish or shallow container and hang that from the hanger. This can help contain the mushiness as the banana ripens further.
  3. Hang: Choose a sunny and sheltered spot in your garden to hang your banana lure.

Tips for Attracting More Butterflies:

• Plant Butterfly-Friendly Flowers: Nectar-rich flowers are the primary food source for adult butterflies. Include plants like:
  • Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)
  • Milkweed (Asclepias)
  • Coneflowers (Echinacea)
  • Zinnias
  • Lantana
  • Salvia
• Provide Water: Butterflies need water too! A shallow dish with pebbles and water will give them a place to drink.
• Offer Shelter: Plant shrubs and trees to provide resting spots and protection from predators.
• Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm or kill butterflies and other beneficial insects.
• Patience: It might take some time for butterflies to discover your banana lure. Be patient and keep the banana fresh (replace it as it gets too dry or moldy).
• Location Matters: Observe where you see butterflies in your garden and place the lure in those areas.

By creating a welcoming environment with flowers, water, shelter, and a sweet treat like a banana hanger, you’ll significantly increase your chances of attracting beautiful butterflies to your garden! Enjoy the colorful visitors!