With environmentally responsible methods, it’s possible to encourage butterflies to flutter around your yard while still controlling pests. Without a doubt, Florida homeowners need to protect their homes from damaging termites as well as protect their families from biting and stinging insects. At the same time, most people love to gaze out at their hibiscus-lined driveway to observe butterflies visiting red pentas, lantana or a blue plumbago shrub. Just as a healthy green lawn and landscape pleases your HOA (home owner association) and neighbors, beautiful butterflies grace the neighborhood as important pollinators in the eco-system. After working with a reliable pest control company for your lawn and pest needs, consider planting a few Florida-friendly and Florida-native plants to attract butterflies.
Planting the host plants
Many Florida wildflowers grow naturally in the areas behind your lawn. To draw butterflies to your yard, plant a host plant such as the Purple Passionvine. The Purple Passionvine is the host plant for the Zebra Longwing, the state butterfly. Other larval host plants include milkweeds and butterfly weeds for monarchs.
Tending to nectar flowers
Some nectar plants that Florida butterflies love include firebush, Indian Blanket, Bushy Aster, Black-eyed Susan, Tropical Sage, and Blue Porterweed. Choose plants of different heights that bloom at different times.
Creating shallow puddles
Butterflies need to drink water. Create a few puddles in your yard when watering the grass as needed. If you have an extra bird bath, use only a shallow amount of water for the butterflies.
If you want to learn more about environmentally sensitive pest control methods, please call Consolidated Pest Control to discuss our services. Our professionals quickly and safely manage minor and major pest problems without killing beneficial insects such as butterflies.
