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Hummingbirds are a delight to observe, so it’s no surprise that many bird-watchers attempt to attract them to their properties by installing hummingbird feeders. Unfortunately, however, there are a number of common pests that also may be interested in the feeder’s contents, including ants.
While hummingbirds do prey on insects like beetles, mosquitos, and flies, they aren’t partial to ants. In fact, ants and hummingbirds actually share some of the same food sources, including the sugary food we put out in hummingbird feeders.
If ants make their way inside your feeder, they can become trapped and contaminate the nectar, which will actually act as a deterrent to any hummingbirds that stop by. Read on for a few simple techniques for how to keep ants out of your hummingbird feeder in order to foster a welcoming feeder for these beautiful birds.
1. Use an ant moat.
The best way to keep ants out of a hummingbird feeder is to choose a feeder with an ant moat, or to install a separate ant moat above your existing feeder.
Hummingbird feeders are generally hung from a hook above a patio or deck. An ant moat features a shallow trough and sits above the feeder. It is filled with water and ants become trapped there before they can make their way into the feeder to access the nectar. If your hummingbird feeder is mounted on a pole, there are moats designed for that setup, too. If you live in a place where water evaporates quickly, you can put a small amount of vegetable oil in the moat, instead of water.
If you don’t want to purchase an ant moat, there are a number of DIY solutions for creating one yourself using commonly available household supplies like empty soda bottles, coat hangers, and a glue gun.
2. Hang an ant guard.
Similar to ant moats, ant guards are also hung directly above the hummingbird feeder. However, ant guards are sold pre-filled with a disc or other substance that contains an insecticide. On their way to the feeder, ants get waylaid by the insecticide. When used according to the product directions, these guards are safe for birds and humans.
3. Make sure the feeder isn’t leaking.
If nectar leaks out of a hummingbird feeder and onto your deck, it’s likely to attract ants, which love sugary hummingbird food. Search for cracks or leaks in your feeder and if you find any, patch them up using plumber’s tape. Tighten any loose parts on the feeder to ensure they fit together seamlessly.
One of the reasons that nectar leaks from a hummingbird feeder is that the nectar heats up in the sun and becomes a thinner texture that can seep through tiny cracks. Try placing your feeder in a partly shaded area to avoid this issue.
However, avoid hanging the feeder in areas that get little natural sunlight, because hummingbirds may not be able to find it. It also can be useful to move the feeder regularly once ants have discovered it, because they may not easily find it in a new location.
4. Spray safe insecticides in the area.
Consider preventing ants from congregating near the hummingbird feeder by spraying a natural insecticide. Focus on the ground underneath the feeder and any parts of the deck or railing where you see ants crawling.
Choose a natural insect repellent like neem oil, which keeps ants away but won’t have an adverse effect on your family pets or any local wildlife. Even if the insecticides you use are all natural, make sure to avoid applying them to the hummingbird feeder itself, because they could potentially act as a deterrent to birds as well.
5. Hang the hummingbird feeder from a fishing line.
Fishing line is usually too thin and slippery for ants to traverse, and is a good substitute for the ant-friendly rope or pole you may have been using to suspend your hummingbird feeder. It’s important to use a strong fishing line that can support the weight of your feeder when it’s filled with nectar.
6. Clean the feeder every day.
One of the best ways to keep ants out of a hummingbird feeder is to ensure that it’s clean. Nectar on the outside of the feeder is more likely to attract ants, so it’s important to wipe down the exterior surfaces regularly. If you’re using an ant moat, empty it often, add fresh water, and dispose of any dead insects that linger inside.
What Not to Do to Get Rid of the Ants
While some sources recommend applying a slippery substance like petroleum jelly to the hanger rod to prevent ants from accessing the feeder, this strategy has a number of downsides.
The biggest problem is that petroleum jelly can be extremely harmful to hummingbirds if it ends up on their feathers. Because the birds can’t remove the jelly properly, it can negatively impact their ability to fly as well as impede their protection against both hot and cold temperatures. For us humans, the process of applying petroleum jelly is quite messy and has to be repeated regularly, which can be inconvenient.
It’s also important to avoid covering the hanger rod with any strong adhesive materials like double-sided tape, because hummingbirds could be injured if they come into contact with it.
To reiterate, don’t spray chemical pesticides around the feeder. You could accidentally contaminate surfaces that the hummers come in contact with, potentially harming them. Similarly, never put insecticide in an ant moat. Use chemical insecticides only in a well-sealed ant guard hanging above the feeder.
