Attracting Butterflies and Setting Up Butterfly Houses

A butterfly house is really a hibernation box. Some butterflies migrate during winter to warmer climates; some hibernate. See below for a list of butterflies which hibernate. Butterflies hibernate from late August to April or May. Butterflies may also use a butterfly house as protection from predators and wind.

Mount the box on a pole or post at about 3-4 feet from the ground. It should be located in a sunny or lightly shaded area, away from prevailing winds. Butterflies will be attracted if the box is placed near flowering plants. Fill the box loosely with pine bark mulch or tree bark, standing up.

Some types of butterflies which may use your house: Mourning cloaks, Queens, Question marks, Red Admirals, Painted Ladies, American Painted Ladies, Western Painted Ladies

Some flowers which attract these butterflies include aster, butterfly bush, daisy, marigold, milkweed, mint, red clover.