I attract mantis and hummingbirds to my yard. Havent seen a dead hummingbird and my plants have less bugs on them. I just hang my feeders from shepherds hooks. The mantis seem to have a problem climbing them. I have seen a hb in a spiderweb once. As for children being scared of the mantis, I take my sons outside, pick up whatever they are afraid of (as long as it isnt dangerous) and show them that they dont hurt anything. My son was afraid of cicada shells. He now has a collection. He is 4. Maybe a mix of red pepper and garlic spray will deter the mantis from the feeder area. Birds dont mind it, bugs hate it. I use it on my roses to keep the bugs off.

Thanks! Yes, we have a large population of wild turkeys in the area but I have never seen one in the yard. I guess due to their increasing numbers they are beginning to frequent urbanized areas...I'll be watching (so will the retriever!). Thanks again, hortster

Yeah! Patty found her camera and has some gorgeous pics to share with us! I could see all the pics, but only because I do have a Snapfish account and signed in with my password. You have some really neat pieces in your space. Did you do all the refinishing yourself? I really like a couple of the wall pieces, such neat shapes. Love the lace and feminine feel of the whole space. And even if someone is not into the furniture, there are plenty of pretty dishes and pictures to select from. I can see that you have been having lots of fun with this. Thanks so much for taking the time to share pics with us. The only way I know for the others to see all the pics is to either sign up for a Snapfish account or for you to share the password for the album. Good luck figuring it out, I know everyone really wants to see them. Luvs

I just remembered after reading these posts about a picture DH took. He and Ricky were looking for bugs to take pictures of and Ricky starting yelling "I found a double bug papa" ...this is what he found...to this day he thinks it's a rare double bug thanks to papa! I just hope he never talks about his "rare" find at school and the teacher want to see this picture! These moths were huge!