Keeping Monarch Butterflies Hydrated Without Wasting Water

Written by Jackie Edwards
Edited by Rebecca Chandler

So, you love Monarchs? Follow these simple steps to create a garden oasis in yard to attract Monarchs and other butterflies!
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By providing them with a clean, shallow source of water and growing a pesticide-free garden, butterflies can forage from your garden safely!

Water

​Wildlife-friendly gardens are booming in popularity, with organizations like the World Wildlife Fun providing readers with tips on how to transform their garden into a wildlife have filled with bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects. If you love the unique grace and beauty of monarch butterflies, then you may wonder what you can do to help their species out. These butterflies are currently considered to be a species of “special concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and their population has declined significantly in recent decades. You can help them out by growing native plants like milkweed, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susan flowers. Ensuring they have enough water is also vital. Keep these delicate creatures hydrated while doing your share for global warming in the following ways.

Create a Shallow Puddle Paradise

Summer can be overwhelming in some parts of the US and as is the case with birds, water sources can be hard to find for butterflies. In order to preserve as much water as they came during the warmer seasons, monarchs and other butterflies display a behavior known as “puddling.” The latter involves drinking water in shallow areas. The good news is that with very little of this precious resource, you can help butterflies gather the minerals and vitamins they need. Either entice them with a shallow water feature (such as a shallow basin or upside-down trash can lid), or—if you have an existing fountain—fill parts of its basin with stones or pebbles, so butterflies have structures to rest upon.
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Change the Water Frequently

Because monarch butterflies don’t need much water, don’t overfill your basin. It is a good idea to change the water frequently to ensure it is clean. Use any surplus amounts to water plants to water the plants in your garden. Every few days, give the basin a wash with a stiff brush, especially if algae or bacteria mats form. Butterflies don’t have a preference for hard or soft water, so it is okay to use water from your tap. However, if you soften your water, make sure you obtain your puddle source from a salt-free water conditioner. Doing so will ensure that the water you give butterflies is not laden with sodium. While sodium is an essential nutrient for butterflies, too much of it can be toxic and lead to dehydration.

Avoid Pesticide Use

Avoid using chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the plants surrounding your water dish. Butterflies are likely to prefer this area. Aim to grow an organic garden, so butterflies can fly from one plant to the next without being harmed by synthetic chemicals. To keep insects at bay naturally, use companion plants that deter insects. The list of plants is long and includes basil, nasturtiums, marigolds, chives, and lavender. The latter is particularly interesting as it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which in turn can boost pollination in your garden.
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