Key Takeaways
- Ants are drawn to sweet nectar and have the potential to pollute feeders or scare away hummingbirds.
- Use safe methods like ant moats, fishing line, diatomaceous earth, and repellent scents to block access.
- Select leak-resistant feeders, relocate them frequently, and maintain regular cleaning to deter ants effectively.
We love
hummingbirds
, and that’s why we fill feeders with sugar water to attract them to our houses. These feeders supply essential nutrition for the birds, making it more than just an egoistic action! However, ants (and bees) are equally fond of the sugary liquid. Not only can they drain a feeder completely, but they might also decrease how frequently hummingbirds come around. Here, we’ve compiled the most effective advice on dealing with this issue.
keep ants away
From your feeder and ensure it remains clean and hygienic throughout hummingbird season.
Why Ants Get Drawn to HummingbirdFeeders
Ants have a sweet tooth for sugar, and a
hummingbird feeder
provides them with the sugar and moisture necessary for their survival. After they zero in on a convenient feeding spot, they bring along the whole colony and even their neighbors.
The issue extends beyond just taking advantage of your generous hospitality; ants have the potential to block the nectar feeders’ openings, preventing hummingbirds from reaching the nectar inside. Additionally, these insects introduce risks such as bacterial contamination and pesticide exposure into the feeding solution. Moreover, they pose a threat by delivering unpleasant stings to the birds. Although a hummingbird may sometimes consume an ant during mealtime, relying consistently on this source instead of accessing the intended nourishment could be detrimental to their health.
Natural Ways to Keep Ants at Bay
Various kinds of hummingbird feeder ant repellents are available online, yet certain options may pose risks to the birds. Stay away from using insecticides, greasy substances, or petroleum jelly applied around the feeder as these can stick to and damage the hummingbirds’ feathers.
Suspension System For A Hook Using Fishing Wire
Rather than giving ants a sturdy walkway like a shepherd’s hook to the feeder, hang it with thin, slippery fishing line. However, be sure the line is short enough so the feeder doesn’t sway wildly in the wind, causing the nectar to leak out.
Create an Ant Moat
If your feeder isn’t designed with a water-fillable moat that ants aren’t eager to cross, add your own. Attach a saucer or cup of water above or below the feeder to attach to the fishing line.
Scatter Diatomaceous Earth around pole feeders.
Diatomaceous earth consists of pulverized fossilized diatoms. When ants traverse this substance, the jagged edges abrade their bodies, leading to dehydration. It is advisable to reapply the powder-like material following each rain shower or watering session in your garden.
Use Scents Ants Avoid
Regardless of whether you opt for fresh or dried herbs or even essential oils, certain aromas deter ants. Consider scattering cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, or freshly picked mint leaves at the bottom of the feeder post. Alternatively, soak cotton balls in clove, lemongrass, or anise essential oils and position them in small dishes close to areas where ants could reach the feeder.
Feeder Design and Placement
Choosing the right kind of feeder significantly helps in preventing ants from getting too close. Opt for a model equipped with an elevated ant-moat cup situated above the feeding chamber. Keeping this reservoir full of water ensures that any ants trying to reach the nectar end up drowning instead. Although these barriers do not deter ants completely, installing mesh-like bee protectors over the nectar openings stops bees from reaching the food source. However, hummingbirds’ lengthy tongues allow them to easily get past these defenses without issue.
Select a high-quality feeder to prevent leaks and drips of nectar that can lure ants, bees, and wasps. Nonetheless, ensure the feeder is simple to take apart for maintenance purposes and promptly swap out any feeders showing leakage issues.
Given that ants aren’t fond of taking a plunge, you might want to position the feeder above a properly kept birdbath. This way, hummingbirds could use it as their own mini oasis for a refreshing splash. Shift the placement of the feeder periodically—every couple of weeks—to confuse the ants. Since these insects create scent markers to guide others toward resources, relocating the feeder can significantly cut down ant traffic.
Extra Suggestions for Making an Inviting Hummingbird Feeder
-
Avoid
bright yellow highlights that draw in bees
And wasps too. Hummingbirds show no interest in the color yellow! - Empty and replenish the feeder at minimum every two days when the weather is warm and damp to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Be sure to cleanse both the interior and exterior of the feeder prior to replenishing it with nectar.
-
Drain and fill the ant moat with fresh water every time you use it.
empty and fill up the feeder
.
Read the initial article on
Southern Living
