Asylum for a hedgehog
Under natural conditions (which are also found in many home gardens), hedgehogs seek shelter under piles of leaves and rotten trunks.They keep their lair with straw, small twigs, and sometimes paper. Since hedgehogs are extremely useful (they feed on insects, snails, small rodents) and visit gardens very often in search of food, they deserve permanent accommodation at our address.
In a quiet part of the garden, prepare a pit of stones or soil filled with fallen leaves.Try not to leave a human smell, it is best to wear gloves. The animals themselves carry leaves and sticks into the cavity, protecting themselves against intruders and frost. A hedgehog house is a safer solution.
Detailed instructions for building such a structure (including a diagram) can be found, among others on the website of the Polish Association for the Protection of hedgehogs "Our hedgehogs". Speaking of these mammals and their protection, it is impossible not to mention leaving gaps in the fence.In this way, we create natural green corridors that allow animals to migrate freely.
Karlik and a bat under the eaves
Some species of bats fly away for winter to warmer countries, where winters are shorter and less frosty. Most, however, stay in Poland, hibernating in caves, wells, old bunkers, abandoned mines, hollows or in attics. During this time, the animals hibernate (hibernate).The development of civilization and human expansion mean that there are fewer and fewer hiding places for bats. We should help the bats.
First of all, let's not disturb them in wintering. Let's not be afraid of them, because they are not dangerous. It is not true that they get tangled up in your hair! Let's try not to seal the inlets to the basements and attics, and preferably build a shelter for them.On the Internet you can find a lot of assembly diagrams (for example, after entering The Kent bat box in the search engine).To listen in on the speech of bats, you need to equip yourself with a special detector that detects sounds made by these animals at higher frequencies, inaudible to humans.
Where do crayfish hibernate?
Water reservoirs are a natural habitat for many amphibians, reptiles and fish. However, apart from fish, not many animals hibernate in the water. In the silt at the bottom of the pond bury, among others, grass frog, water frog and marsh frog, and, as the only reptile, the pond turtle.Other species of reptiles and amphibians spend the winter on land, usually in safe hiding places deep underground (often over a meter deep). The pits hide toads, tree frogs and toads. And where do crayfish winter? Usually where they live in the summer - in hideouts dug on the river bank or at the bottom of a pond.
Reeds for the bricklayer
The red bricklayer is a very friendly bee, non-aggressive and mildly disposed towards humans.These insects do not defend their territory, so they do not attack people, even if they are in close proximity to the nest.It is worth emphasizing that mason bees are more diligent than other species of bees, so it is worth to settle them every garden (they can be found all over Poland) and stayed there for longer. In order to help them survive the winter, you need to provide adequate shelter.
The simplest houses are made of plastic bottles cut across, cans, wooden boxes filled with reed pipes 6-8 mm in diameter.The end of the tube inside the container should be sealed.
Winniczek in its own shell
Shell snails, especially grapevines, are not as harmful as it is described. The naked snails are our main enemies. Vineyards look for shelter in secluded places under a cover of leaves and moss.Additionally, by using mucus, they seal the entrance to the shell, leaving only a small opening for breathing.There are several such protective slimes in the shell. Vineyard snail sleeps for 6 months.
Ladybug among sticks
Ladybugs most often spend the winter in clusters. Not only because they are sociable, but also pragmatic, because it is easier to find a partner in a group, which means that in spring they mate faster and give birth to offspring.
They choose dry, frost-free places for their accommodation.They come to houses and apartments or look for quiet shelters outside, e.g. among piled glades, piles of leaves, stones or sticks.It is very easy to make a house for them.
