A tennis shoe in the washing machine will no longer surprise anyone. It is used so that the laundry is fluffy and the blankets do not lose their volume. But tennis in the garden? You’ll be surprised how a simple tennis ball can change the fates of creatures that seek shelter and water when temperatures drop below zero.
One of the main problems animals face in winter is frozen water. Birds, hedgehogs and other creatures need access to unfrozen water. Placing a tennis ball on the surface of a garden pond or drinking fountain will prevent the water from freezing completely. The ball is constantly moving due to the wind and prevents the formation of a continuous layer of ice.
How sneakers help birds
Hang them on the branches of trees or bushes. Make a hole and fill the tennis ball with cotton wool or dry moss, the birds will find it an ideal place to rest. Birds often seek shelter from wind or snow storms, and tennis balls can protect them.
They will also warm hedgehogs
Tennis balls can serve as part of an insulated shelter for hedgehogs. If you leave them under a pile of leaves or near bushes, they will help retain heat and create a safer environment. Hedgehogs are especially vulnerable in the winter, and if they find their way to you, they’ll use any help they can get.
Also useful for insects
You can also use leftover tennis balls to help hibernating insects. For example, ladybugs or butterflies like to hide in soft and protected spaces. Make a hole in the tennis shoe and leave it in a quiet place, such as a barn or gazebo. Insects find their way there on their own.
If you don’t have a surplus of old balls at home, try asking at tennis clubs. Players often use new balls for only a few games and the old ones end up in the trash. Most clubs are happy to leave them to you if you explain what you want to use them for.
Source: dagens.com
