Human settlements actually provide habitats for many animal species. They colonize buildings as substitutes for rocks and gardens and parks as "substitute nature." They even appear in the immediate vicinity of noisy traffic arteries and busy roads. However, urbanization not only provides habitat but also poses risks for so-called synanthropic species and other species. Manholes, roads, water sources, light sources, and fences can become deadly traps.

• Chimneys and ventilation shafts are treacherous traps for birds such as jackdaws or white storks if they fall into them. Grilles and covers can prevent such losses.
• Closed access points or gaps in roofs and facades, as well as toxic wood preservatives used in building renovations, can destroy entire colonies of building breeders (e.g., bats, sparrows, swifts, or kestrels). Renovations should therefore always be carried out outside the breeding and reproduction season and under the guidance of nature conservation experts.
• Nests of swallows in stables, garages, or under eaves do not need to be removed. The problem of droppings can be easily solved by placing a droppings board under the nest.
• Large glass and window surfaces are deadly flight obstacles for all kinds of birds. Markings on the windows can help, as birds perceive them as obstacles.
• Insects such as butterflies and ladybugs seek their winter resting places in basements and under roofs. To ensure that they can return to the open air in spring and do not die, the roof should be covered with non-perforated ventilation tiles and the basement window should be left slightly open in spring.
• House walls illuminated at night, illuminated garden paths, house entrances, or illuminated garden ponds often become deadly traps for numerous insects. Avoiding light where it is not absolutely necessary, using motion detectors, and only switching on lights for short periods when needed can alleviate the problem. If lighting is installed, LED lamps in warm white up to a maximum of 3000 Kelvin should be used.
• Insect screens and curtains should be used to repel mosquitoes. It is better to avoid UV mosquito repellent lamps, as these kill not only thousands of pests, but also other nocturnal insects.
• Street lamps with mercury vapor lamps, neon signs, and skybeamers attract and kill many insects; birds become disoriented. Yellow light lamps are a good alternative, as they emit a different light spectrum that is harmless to moths and other species.
• Construction pits, light wells, stairwells, water drains and gullies where water collects, as well as garden ponds and swimming pools with steep banks, can easily become dangerous traps for frogs, toads, hedgehogs, mice, and other small mammals. They cannot free themselves from obstacles with smooth walls and are left to die of thirst or starvation. Wire mesh, barriers, and exit ramps solve the problem, at least in your own garden.
• Garden fences and walls are insurmountable obstacles. Hedgehogs and other animals cannot reach their mates or sufficient areas with food. They therefore often resort to moving on sidewalks and roads, where they are run over. Fences should therefore have a gap of approx. 10 cm from the ground, and walls should have holes near the ground.
• Rainwater barrels in the garden and watering places are often treacherous traps for birds. Water collection containers should therefore be covered (this also reduces the mosquito population in summer). Garden ponds should have shallow edges.
• Garden maintenance should be carried out very carefully during the breeding months of March to June. Hedges should not be cut at all during this period, and when working with brush cutters, attention should be paid to small animals in the undergrowth.
• In general, unnatural landscaping and garden design with high use of fertilizers, water, and chemicals, as well as plant species that are not typical for the location, are a common reason why many wild animals are deprived of their livelihood. At least in your own garden, you can ensure that this is not the case. In our environmental tip archive, you will find numerous tips for natural garden design.