Bug control: How to attract insect-eating birds

Green fingered Brits are being told which birds they should attract to their garden to help deal with pesky bugs.

The experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have shared which birds can help prevent slugs, snails and caterpillars from munching away at plants and crops.

Garden pests tend to peak in the late Spring and early Summer and can be a real nuisance to gardeners.

Those looking for a natural way to stop insects feeding on their plants and shrubs should look at attracting birds into their garden to help deal with the problem.

In summer, birds tend to feed on insects more which can help keep plants and flowers safe and in perfect condition.

Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress said: “Attracting birds into your garden is a great way to deal with pesky insects that feed on your plants and flowers.

“Now is a great time to start inviting them into your garden as they’ll be starting to incorporate insects into their diets as we head into summer.

“Birds love water so as a general rule keep some out in your garden to attract them. You’ll also want to avoid using any pesticide so you can give the birds a healthy batch of insects to feed on.

“The best way to entice birds into your garden is by supplying them with their favourite seeds. Certain birds will prefer different insects so make sure you think about which ones you want in your garden before laying out any seeds.”

How to attract birds into your garden:

Robins

The most common problem for gardeners tends to be slugs and snails. Luckily Robins love feeding on these insects and you can attract them into your garden through different fruits like apples, berries and raisins. These can be placed on platform feeders or just put on the ground.

Sparrows

This small bird loves to eat beetles, caterpillars and cutworms all of which could be feeding on your plants. To attract Sparrows into your garden you’ll want to lay out some sunflower seeds and mixed bird seed.

Titmice

If you’re struggling with aphids in the garden then Titmice could help solve your problems.

They typically look for tree holes or nesting boxes so it’s worth setting one up in your garden in a quiet spot to attract them. They’re also attracted to sunflower seeds and plain, shelled peanuts.

Nuthatches

Nuthatches will protect your garden from ants, caterpillars and earwigs. They love peanuts, black sunflower seeds and sunflower hearts. They also love trees and shrubs with dense foliage.

Woodpeckers

If borers and beetles are your problem then you’ll want to try to attract woodpeckers. Woodpeckers love fruits such as oranges, apples and berries. To ensure they eat them, cut up half an orange and secure it to a branch or tree.

For more information on attracting wildlife into your gardens please visit GardeningExpress