I was talking to my sister about how I wanted to add something exciting to my yard. Of course, I was thinking about getting some gnomes or a fancy fountain. That’s when my sister said: ‘How about spotting turtles?’
And then it hit me: these cute little critters can bring fun and intrigue to my outdoor space (not a bad idea, sis!).
I remember the first time I saw a turtle in my yard. My adorable Shelly was just walking around peacefully, getting to know its new home. My garden felt more alive, and I absolutely loved it!
However, I was pleasantly surprised to know that spotting turtles are not just fascinating to watch, but they can also help keep the garden healthy by eating pests and maintaining the ecosystem.
How cool is that?
Stick around if you want to find out how spotting turtles quickly became the stars of my outdoor space… and who knows, maybe I’ll convince you to get your own Shelly some day!
How To Make Your Yard A Turtle Hotspot
If you live in a tropical area where turtles roam around freely, you might as well do some tricks to lure them into your backyard!
Creating a turtle-friendly environment is simpler than you think. I started by providing a water source – a small pond turned out to be essential for their hydration and feeding needs.
I then created a cozy habitat with rocks, logs, and some of my garden plants to create hiding spots for my turtle.
Making sure that my yard is free of pesticides and chemicals is the next thing I did because they could harm these beneficial reptiles. I couldn’t stand the fact that something might hurt my little Shelly!
Seeing him roam around the garden made me super happy! I know I gave my turtle a good home and that I am helping the ecosystem – by managing pests, turtles help maintain a balanced food web, preventing any species from becoming overly dominant.
They’re basically like a free and harmless form of pest control!
I always try to keep it natural in my garden by avoiding using harmful chemicals. Turns out, my Shelly is the exact eco-friendly alternative I need (not to mention that he is super cute and funny!).
Related: Rewild Your Garden With These 10 Simple Ideas
Is It Safe To Have Turtles In Your Backyard
While turtles can be beneficial allies in pest control, it’s important to respect their wild nature.
Handling them should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, as wild turtles can carry germs like Salmonella that can be harmful to both you and the turtle itself.
If you spot a turtle in your yard, enjoy observing it from a distance (I once tried to pet it, not a good idea!).
If you need to relocate it, use gloves or a towel to gently lift and move it to a safe area.
My sister once encountered a snapping turtle known for its defensive nature and powerful bite. She made the smart choice by reaching out to a qualified animal rehabilitator. These experts know exactly how to handle and care for turtles.
Another crucial point is to refrain from feeding wild turtles. While it might seem kind, feeding them can disrupt their natural foraging behaviors and create dependency on human-provided food (though I always make sure to have something delicious growing in my garden naturally).
I just let my Shelly go around and find his own food – and I can assure you that he does (there are almost no pests in my garden!). If you don’t mind these lovely creatures, why not try and attract them into your yard?
I have to give my sister some credit because she suggested it (I was surprised because most of her ideas are bad… sorry sis). However, I absolutely love my turtle and if you attract some, please share some pics with me!
Also read: 7 Super Cheap Gardening Hacks That’ll Completely Change Your Green Thumb Game