When it is hot outside, it's not just people who long for a refreshing dip in a pool or the sea. Wild animals and insects also need water, and if you have a garden or balcony, you can offer a helping hand.

If it hasn't rained in a while, animals and birds can't rely on natural water sources like ponds or puddles. There is then a risk that they'll drink dirty water – or liquids that are harmful to them, such as a spilt glass of lemonade.

That's why it's a good idea to provide wild animals and birds with water all year round, says biologist Ursula Bauer from German animal welfare organisation Aktion Tier.

Simply place one or more shallow dishes in your garden or on your balcony – for example on a stick or a pole, either in the ground or hanging from the wall.

A spot in the shade is best, as this keeps the water cooler for longer and prevents it from evaporating so quickly.

The watering hole should be placed somewhere that has a clear line of sight, so that birds can quickly detect predators. Ideally, the dish should be out of reach of cats.

You can buy a bird bath at your local garden centre, but it might also be worth taking a look in your cupboards at home. You'll most likely find a suitable item such as a plant saucer or an old bowl.

"As birds like to bathe in drinking troughs or bird baths, they should be cleaned thoroughly on a daily basis, and filled with fresh tap water to prevent the spread of diseases," Bauer says.

Use boiling water to clean the bird feeder or bath, and to avoid using any chemical-based cleaning products, says Germany's Nature And Biodiversity Conservation Union (Nabu).

A shallow bowl filled with pebbles is ideal for insects, Nabu says. Make sure the tops of the pebbles are exposed, as bees, beetles and the like will be able to grab on to them and find their way out of the watering station.

You might also add some moss around the edge. Ideally, place your watering station for insects in a sunny and sheltered spot near some insect-friendly plants. – dpa