Hang This Common Kitchen Scrap & Watch Butterflies Flock To Your Backyard

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There's something magical about sitting in your backyard, sipping a cup of coffee, and watching the butterflies flit from flower to flower. But if you know, you know: trying to attract butterflies to your garden can be tricky. Luckily, there's one easy hack you can try to draw in more of these stunning (and helpful) insects to your yard: that overripe banana sitting in your fruit bowl right now.

Butterflies have a serious sweet tooth. Overripe bananas — think the mushy, black, borderline icky ones that look like they might even be too far gone for banana bread — are the perfect treat because they have around 13 grams of glucose and fructose (aka sugars) per 100 grams total, which is about 10 grams more than their unripe counterparts. Bananas also have key nutrients that butterflies need, especially to weather the winter.

The best time of year to hang this common kitchen scrap in your backyard is during butterfly season. This may vary depending on where you live, but think late spring to mid summer as well as autumn. Or, in other words, when butterflies are out, looking for food.

How do you use an overripe banana to attract more butterflies to your garden? While it sounds a little outlandish, it's easier than you think. Simply curl a piece of bailing wire, like Hillman Hobby Steel Wire, around the tip of long-nose pliers. Once the base circle is established, remove the pliers and continue curling by hand (make sure you use gloves!), making the circle larger and slightly elevated on each turn until you've made a small cone shape. Peel a thin strip off the side of the banana, then slide it bottom-first into the cone, then gently wrap the wire around it. Cut the wire, allowing for extra length for hanging. Hang over a nearby tree, pole, or branch.

Don't have anywhere to hang the banana? You could either cut it lengthwise or crush it while still unpeeled, then poke it open, and arrange on a thrifted plate outside in the sun. As long as it's easy for the insects to see, butterflies will be drawn into your yard. No matter which way you choose, make sure to put some water nearby.

Overripe bananas are known for attracting butterflies, but there's also a chance wasps or other insects could stop by for a snack. If they overtake your butterfly feeder, try changing its location. Rotate out the banana if it gets dry, is eaten up, or grows mold. And remember, this hack may take a little time, but it's worth the wait.