Gardeners urged to do 1 thing to attract robins if they're avoiding the feeder

Robins are beloved garden visitors, instantly recognisable by their bright orange-red breasts. But if you've been trying to attract them with a traditional seed feeder, you may have found yourself wondering why they don't stop by that much. That's because, as opposed to other garden birds, robins don't actually eat seeds.

They primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates like mealworms or beetles, especially during the warmer months. To attract them, gardeners should therefore focus on creating a natural habitat that supports these food sources.

The first thing you should avoid doing is using pesticides. These chemicals kill the very insects that robins like to eat, so keeping your garden pesticide-free is essential as previous research uncovered evidence thatbird populations plummeted by up to 40 percent where the chemicals were present.

Next, set aside areas in your garden where leaves, compost, or wood piles can naturally accumulate.

These spaces offer insects a safe refuge and recreate the environment robins instinctively search for food in.

Keeping these parts of your garden undisturbed helps build a steady supply of bugs, making your garden a prime feeding ground for robins.

Let patches of grass grow a bit longer or introduce some wild plants to attract even more insects.

What you can also do is to offer fresh fruit such as apple slices, grapes, or strawberries laid out on a flat surface to attract robins.

For an even more natural approach, consider growing fruiting bushes like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries, which provide a steady supply of food throughout the summer months.

Don't forget to supply fresh water, too. A shallow birdbath is vital for robins to drink from and bathe in during the hot weather.

It comes after UK households were urged to take action if they see robins in their gardens.

According to The Woodland Trust, robins are 'more likely' to spend time in your garden if they 'feel safe from predators'.