One of the reasons why moths are so underappreciated is many of them are only active at night.  However, those few wildlife enthusiasts that know how to attract them can often view some of the most beautiful and unusual backyard residents.

       One of the best ways to lure moths to spots where you can observe them is by luring them to places where you are able to easily them.   This technique is known as “sugaring for moths.“ This involves preparing bait out of some unlikely ingredients.  You can find a number of recipes for these moth brews on the internet.   Here is one posted by Oklahoma State University’s Extension Office.  Here is the recipe:

1 can of beer

2 overripe bananas, peeled and mashed

½ cup of grape jelly

2 Tbsp. sorghum syrup

1 Tbsp. pineapple-flavored gelatin
Mix the concoction until you form a smooth liquid paste. The paste needs to be thin enough to spread to a tree trunk but thick enough to adhere to a tree.  Store the mixture at room temperature for 10-12 hours before using.

       Then, just before dark, paint 12-inch patches on several tree trunks (roughly head high).  Then return the bait stations as often as you like.  In some cases, the best time of view moths attracted to the bait occur after 10 p.m.

       Do not be surprised if the concoction attracts moths that you never knew were flying about your yard while you are inside your home watching television.

       If this recipe does not work as well as you thought it would, simply alter it.  You just might develop a recipe that is superior to this one.