For more advice, including how to make the hummingbird food youre using less attractive to ants, keep reading. Love my humming birds. 4.1. I also changed the location. Most importantly, a petroleum jelly product like Vaseline can be extremely harmful to hummingbirds if it ends up on their feathers. However, no matter what substance you choose, make sure to use it only on the parts of the feeder that hummingbirds dont touch. You can buy a moat and attach it to your feeder, following the instructions. Other times, there is a crack, or you own a cheap hummingbird feeder, and you will need to buy a replacement. We turned to wildlife experts for the best ways to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders, making for a more pleasant environment both for the hummingbirds and for us. We have so many ants here, they have made a colony inside the bathroom in our trailer! Some in hummingbird feeders too. Always remember that the reason ants try to get to your hummingbird feeder is because of the sugar water! Vicks in a upside-down moat. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, 5 We asked sleep experts for their advice. We use an Ant Guard and its worked well since we started it 3 years ago. Install an ant moat One of the best ways to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders is to install an ant moat. Has anybody commented yet?? Let us know what you think in the comment section below, and if you have better tips to keep ants out of the hummingbird feeders, were eager to hear about them. 7 Natural Ways to Keep Bees and Ants Away From Hummingbird Feeders It does not dry out and can be cleaned out with a tissue a little goes a long way. The slippery substances can stick to the birds feathers and make them unable to fly. However, theres one problem. Attach an Ant Moat. Usually bugs wont cross it. Your hummingbirds deserve to enjoy their feast without being bothered by these pesky ants. Inside of the ant guard is a light insecticide called Permethrin that repels ants. Visit our corporate site. Any suggestions would be appreciated. George and I became friends after a birdwatching trip with our new group. If you live somewhere with extreme heat and this issue becomes a problem, then you need to try and find a spot to place your feeders that is slightly shaded. Use a Fishing Line to Hang the Hummingbird Feeder 2. Unfortunately, this strategy doesnt prevent bees and wasps. This article has been viewed 144,796 times. Keep Your Hummingbird Feeder on the Move 5. I cant feed the Orioles oranges because the chipmunks steal the oranges and spill the water out of the ant moat. I live in Texas and the water dried up or needed to be filled daily because of the wind. If you have used a pole to hang the feeder, then tie the bay leaves or mint leaves around the pole and wire used to hang the feeder. No ants for the past 3 years. Use a Fishing Line 3. Thayerbirding is supported by its audience. One of the best ways to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders is to install an ant moat. It's fun to have hummingbird feeders http://amzn.to/2g9bkHT and to w. I used the vaseline on the pole of my Shepard hook 3 weeks ago and so far no more ants. Wind may cause the feeder to hit a tree or even fall off, which may also cause cracks. Of course, knowing how to clean hummingbird feeders is key, as well as positioning the feeder in the optimal spot and knowing which ant-repelling methods to avoid. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Thanks! Hanging your hummingbird feeder from such a thin line can prevent ants from climbing into it; its like walking on a tightrope. As far as ants, get a bird feeder moat at a local store that sells the feeders, like Walmart. A birdbath can be a brilliant idea because it wont only repel ants but also attract hummingbirds. And please know that its common to combine a few of the techniques below to have the greatest impact. But my problem is yellow jackets. To help, Ive made a list of how to keep ants out of hummingbird feeder so that you and the birds can get the most enjoyment from your hummingbird feeder and the delightful little birds they attract. Yeah Mint !!! Relocate the feeder to eliminate the trail ants leave behind for the rest of their colony to follow. If you have one with yellow accents, repaint with red, non-toxic paint. Use a Fishing Line to Hang the Hummingbird Feeder, 2. However, how to do that without harming the hummingbirds themselves? All of my feeders have moatsno ant issues. Last but not least, use pliers to bend two points of the rod in the shape of a fish hook and keep in mind that you need to bend the ends in the same direction. Why do they make feeders with small openings? How To Keep Ants Out Of Hummingbird Feeder - Seabird Sanctuary Red attracts hummingbirds while yellow attracts wasps and bees. Hummingbird feeders sometimes leak sugary water, which is a major attraction to ants. Any sugar water leakage would attract ants to your feeder. Try not to put the glue to the side of the filler to avoid it being distorted. I enjoy your articles.". 1. She joined the Future team two years ago, working across a range of homes brands. Yes, petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, can be effective in keeping ants away from hummingbird feeders. Ant moats serve as a barrier for ants, taking their attention away from the nectar inside the feeder. Worried about what to do if you have ants in your hummingbird feeder? Hey, any help out there. Placing your feeder in a place that is not exposed to the sun will keep ants from seeing the way to the food. An ant moat is actually quite easy to make with no extra cost, since every material is around your house. Avoid feeders with yellow insect guards or flower accents and your feeder will be less attractive to insects. How to keep ants off hummingbird feeder? - About Bugs Will try the herbs next. This may also work to get rid of yellow jackets naturally. Its in the shade but if in sunlight you might have to replenish once in awhile but better than dumping water all the time. Want to feed your hummingbirds without ants stealing away their food? Published 26 June 23, Thinking of ditching your bed frame? Place the feeder in partial shade for best results. If more than half of the hummingbird feeder is visible from all sides, this is the spot for you. No matter how you do it, your hummingbirds deserve a clean, safe feeding environment. There are many ways to keep ants off your hummingbird feeder so that you can enjoy watching these beautiful birds feed in peace. 'Being close to ant colonies, ant aphid farms, or too near structures that already attract ants can exacerbate your ant problem,' comments Zach Hutchinson. 1. The best way to get rid of tiny ants that are eager to suck up that delicious sugar water is to employ preventative measures. Move Or Relocate Feeders 6. 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. How to Keep Bees Away from Hummingbird Feeders - Bob Vila If the feeder hangs on a fishing line and above water, ants cant reach it from any side. They can be placed on top of the feeder, and the hummingbirds can drink from them without fear of being attacked by ants. In this way, the hummingbirds feeding still goes on the nectar but the sugar water will draw less ants. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. In fact, ants and hummingbirds actually share some of the same food sources, including the sugary substance used in hummingbird feeders. A quick search on Pinterest reveals many more DIY ant moat projects! AMAURAS Red Glass Ant Moat Check Today's Price. Rinse the feeder with lots of clean water, then fill it back up and hang it again. Thayerbirding.com is in no way related to Thayer Birding Software or its founder Peter W. Thayer. 6. The bottom of the hanger pole is a good place to put used mint tea bags or used mint tea this will also deter vermin from the area. It is applied to the skin as a cream or lotion. Will Vaseline keep ants away 2. Ants will stay away from water, so hang the feeder above a fountain or water feature to discourage them from visiting your feeder. Semi-waterproof & works great! In order to secure the rod, you need to use a heated glue gun. But using Permethrin inside of an ant guard is nothing to worry about. Keep the insecticide low to the ground to avoid harming the birds. An ant guard is installed above your hummingbird feeder, similar to an ant moat. Re your statements about the safety of permethrin, specifically including safety for pets: permethrin is HIGHLY TOXIC to cats, so use with care. Identify the crack or leak and make sure to patch it up as soon as possible using plumbers tape. The grass clippings stick and the ants just parade on up. Consider cleaning it as part of your plant-watering routine or add a reminder in your calendar so you don't forget. Savannah Sher, 6 Incredible Things to Know About Hummingbird Nests, 10 Pests That Might Be Living in Your Garage, How to Attract Birds to Feeders: 13 Simple Strategies That Work, 15 Natural Pest-Control Strategies for Your Home Landscape, 9 Handy Household Uses for Diatomaceous Earth, 30 Things in Your House That Are Attracting Bugs and Rodents, 8 Pest-Control Myths You Shouldnt Believe, Selling Your Home? One way is to use a product called Ants Off! (Image credit: Rebecca Harding / Moment / Getty Images), (Image credit: Stephanie Frey Photo / Alamy Stock Photo), When should I fertilize my blueberry plants? Always make sure that your hummingbird feeder has no cracks or leaks. After trials and errors, here we have Thayerbirding. Fill the space between the inner ring and the outside of the cap with water. Millie has a degree in French and Italian and lives in North London. In arid climates, traditional ant moats may not perform well because the small amount of water inside evaporates too quickly. Some types of ants look at your moat and laugh. How to keep Ants off Hummingbird Feeder? 12 Proven Steps (Feb. 2023) I tried spraying a little Pam or the equivalent that a person uses in a frying pan on the bottom 6 inches of the pole. Nectar on the outside of the feeder is more likely to attract ants, so its important to wipe down the exterior surfaces regularly. There are two primary reasons ants are attracted to hummingbird feeders: the sugar water and the Hummingbirds themselves. I had so many ants, so I thought, put something on the poles above the hooks so the ants wont go there. Prevent Leaks If your feeder is leaking with one of your delicious homemade hummingbird food recipes, it will attract ants, too. The glue should be at the cap, not the filler of the moat. I would think some ArmourAll silicone on the fishing line would reduce the coeficient of friction makeing the ants slide off. NH. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. I use a moat, but instead of water, I smear some STP (Found in the automotive section of a store) in the bottom of the moat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hawks are deadly creatures, and theyre notorious for their avid hunting habits, The name of the State of Iowa comes from the Ioway people, one of the regions, The ABA (American Birding Association) lists 7 species of Chickadee in the, If you love hummingbirds, then chances are, you have gone through great efforts, It feels wonderful to just wake up every morning to a choir of birds singing, Watching hummingbirds feed nectar on your balcony is a great joy, Crows belong to the avian family, along with the raven. Actually I put drops of peppermint oil on the stick that holds the feeder. Where I see ants, works for me. How to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeders [10 Easy Ways] His goal is to inspire you to care more about the birds and wildlife in YOUR backyard. Pour some water into the hummingbird feeder and use the ant moat to prevent ants from approaching the food because they are not good swimmers. If so, you may need to go to extremes to stop these persistent insects. Ive made clean food and hung out the feeder after killing ants. Ants avoid walking on slippery surfaces. Many items can be used in the construction of a DIY ant moat, including various types of lids and small cups. On the other hand, ants may die or decay in the nectar. One of the best ways to keep ants out of a hummingbird feeder is to ensure that its clean. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Hang The Feeder Away From Trees Or Structures 1.33. Next, use the metal rod to make the hanger of the moat. Its important to use a strong fishing line that can support the weight of your feeder filled with nectar. Try to hang the hummingbird feeder under a shade or make one for it. Fishing line! 1Ants Be Gone: Simple Solutions for Keeping Your Hummingbird Feeder Ant-Free 1.11. Do you find the tutorial on how to keep ants out of hummingbird feeder interesting? Even when the feeders are empty. Millie formerly worked as Senior Content Editor at Ideal Home, taking care of evergreen articles that help and inspire people to make the most of their homes and outdoor spaces. For migratory hummingbirds, it helps to have your feeder up before the birds arrive in spring. Maintain A Clean Feeder 2. Have not seen any birds or anything else near them. 1 Invest in an ant moat. By following these steps, youll be able to create a safe and welcoming environment for hummingbirds while keeping ants and other pests at bay. Using bay or mint leaves is an excellent, natural strategy that helps prevent ants from reaching your nectar feeders. How to Keep Ants & Other Insects Out of Hummingbird Feeders As soon as one dries out, the ants are again all over the feeder. Very helpful!! What you do is hang a deep dish of plain tap water on the bird feeder pole bracket, and below this water dish is a hook for hanging any bird feeder beneath it. Hang your hummingbird feeders with fishing line. To keep ants out of hummingbird feeders, you can try several methods including, hanging the feeder with a long cord so that the ant trail cannot reach it. I cant attach a photo for some reason, but it looks like a piece of copper tubing with hooks. Natural ways to encourage these feathered friends into our yards is to strategically plant flowers in the colors that attract hummingbirds. Along the West Coast, Anna's Hummingbirds often stay in the same area year-round and putting up a feeder at any time may wind up . wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. I saw some flag holders that you stick in the ground but I think those are more for decorative flags and wouldnt be tall off of the ground for the hummingbirds to be safe from other critters such as cats. Your email address will not be published. And to give hummingbirds somewhere to rest and digest their food and for males to court females consider incorporating a hummingbird perch into your outdoor space. Keep Bees and Wasps Away with Red Saucer Feeders One way to keep bees and wasps away is with saucer hummingbird feeders. Tips on How to Keep Ants Away from a Hummingbird Feeder, 1. By using our site, you agree to our. No ants except when I left the handle of the bucket leaning against the hook and the ants found it. Keep feeders ant-free and enjoy more visits from hummingbirds with these tried-and-tested techniques. Hummingbirds provide a beautiful scene in your yard and hours of enjoyment. Top Tip: You dont need to worry about losing the birds. out. Please research before doing this. This eliminates the need to coat the hanging material with a substance that could have an adverse effect on the hummingbirds. How To Keep Ants Out Of Hummingbird Feeders? - BirdieExpert The ants were back swimming in the moats the next morning. In place of water, try coating the ant moat with a thin layer of vegetable oilthe kind you use for cooking. How To Keep Ants Out Of Hummingbird Feeder-Solved The Mystery How to Stop Bees on Your Hummingbird Feeders! ANTS LOVE SUGAR. We look into the options and the pros and cons, CLEVER WAYS TO DECORATE LARGE LIVING ROOM WALLS, flowers in the colors that attract hummingbirds, The best in design, decoration & style in every issue, Inspiring real homes, expert project advice and on-trend shopping tips, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. The last thing you need is for your feeder to fall off, which may harm your hummingbirds. But so far all the ants cant get to the feeders. This article is so, so helpful.Thanks a lot for doing this research for your reader, Scott. It is easy to attract these beautiful birds to your yard with a feeder supplying a reliable source of nectar. Works Great. Hugh 5 years ago. If your ants have figured out this trick, then keep reading for more ideas. Catnip grows beautifully here without being invasive. The best way to keep ants out of a hummingbird feeder is to choose a feeder with an ant moat (available on Amazon), or to install a separate ant moat onto your existing feeder. Hook on both ends, hang in a fruit tree (ours are apple trees), so we get some pollination in exchange for the favour. However, you should pick a fishing line that can support the weight of the feeder and the birds on it. 1. Some related articles show that slippery substances, such as vaseline and petroleum jelly can keep ants away from hummingbird feeder. If your feeder is leaking with one of your delicious homemade hummingbird food recipes, it will attract ants, too. In addition to the stickiness, ants hate the smell of such items. They work similarly to medieval castles that used moats for protection. Install An Ant Moat Installing an ant moat is one of the easiest ways to prevent ants from entering hummingbird feeders. What smell do ants hate? The only materials needed are the top of a soda bottle, wire hook made from a coat hanger, and hot glue. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Whether you use commercial products or homemade hummingbird nectar recipes, ants are sometimes a problem on your hummingbird feeders. Make Your Own Ant Moat 2. Related:4 Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds. Try placing your feeder in the partly shaded area to avoid this issue. Im pretty sure they are ALL at my house on the feeders. However, sometimes you may be bothered by uninvited insects, such as pests, wasps, ants, which lead to the obstruction of the birds eating behavior. A very cruel and slow death. Know the Facts, Do Blue Jays Scare Away Cardinals? How can I keep ants off of my hummingbird feeder? Place your Hummingbird Feeder in the Shade 4. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. The positioning of the feeder is important. Welcome to Bird Watching Pro! So please dont think that having ants on your feeders is giving them an additional food choice. This article received 12 testimonials and 95% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. One smart alternative to coating the hanging rod with a lubricant is to hang the hummingbird feeder using a fishing line, which is usually too thin and slippery for ants to traverse. 2023 BIRD WATCHING HQ BECCA PARO DESIGN CO. How To Attract Hummingbirds: 25 Simple Tips. Use A Sugar Water Solution With Added Vinegar 1.55. I dont know anyone who wants these insects drinking their hummingbird nectar since ants can PREVENT hummingbirds! If ants have found your feeder, move it. Put the filler upside down (like a U shape). These heavy-duty chemicals rarely discriminate between insects. Another alternative to water moats are insecticide-filled ant guards (available on Amazon) which contain chemicals that kill ants. Also called an ant moat, these devices keep ants from crawling down to the feeder. Wet a sponge and lather up some dish soap, then gently sponge the feeding ports and the small dish. An ant moat is what its called and while very simple to use, this technique is highly successful at deterring ants. Place your Hummingbird Feeder in the Shade, 4. DIY HOW TO KEEP ANTS OFF YOUR HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER - YouTube Unfortunately, that sugary sweet solution that hummingbirds love also attracts sugar ants. It is amazing. In order to minimize the ability to attract ants, you should change the ratio to less sugar or more water. Just a little effort is needed to say goodbye to the ants and bring back the tranquility in your own garden forever. All rights reserved. An ant moat can be installed or bought separately. However, remember that they arent safe for the birds either, so be cautious. Even if theyre all-natural, make sure to avoid applying insecticides to the hummingbird feeder, because they could potentially act as a deterrent to birds as well. Use an Ant Moat 6. Hang Your Hummingbird Feeder Over Water, 3. The American Robin is an icon of birding and modern culture, The House Sparrow is one of the most common birds in the whole world. They're hard to fill and I can't get a brush small enough to clean them. Problem #2: Ants build bridges across the moat. Some people use natural vegetable oil like peppermint essential oil or pine essential oil to distract the ants. 'Suspension cables, pulley systems, and other similar hanging systems can minimize the ability of ants to detect your sugar water as well as their ability to climb to it.' If you dont have a metal rod, you can use pliers to cut the straight part of the coat hanger. If nectar leaks out of a hummingbird feeder and onto your deck, youre likely to attract ants, who love sugary food sources. I didnt have another ant and it lasted real well. 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. You dont want your hummingbirds to get it on themselves accidentally! Now anyone please tell me what to do here. This method proves to be efficient and is widely used thanks to its pungent smell that will keep ants away from the hummingbird feeder. They are inconspicuous, and if you already own a feeder, then check to see if you just need to add water to the existing moat. Find a spot thats partially shaded. Usually, Im not a fan of using insecticides or pesticides in your backyard for fear of killing beneficial bugs. T H A Ts C L E V E R. I will try that today. Fill the ant guard with a little water to repel ants. How to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders: 5 expert tricks 1. If your feeder has a leak and is dripping nectar, its similar to pouring gas on a fire. Tighten any parts on the feeder to ensure they fit together seamlessly. Before you know it, there could be hundreds of ants trying to get to the sweet nectar. With their long tongues, hummingbirds can reach the nectar in saucer feedersbut insects can't. Plus, while hummingbirds prefer the color red, bees are more attracted to yellow. If one bites a hummingbird, it can kill it. Another way to make the area slippery is to use a slippery material, such as vegetable oil or petroleum jelly. Or slightly gets cut and infection sets in because of the grease you used. Drill a hole in the middle of the bottle cap, then push the metal rod through the cap. When used according to the product directions, these guards are completely safe for birds and humans. If you have a pond or a body of water in your yard, make use of it to repel ants. An ant moat is simply a water barrier that prevents these insects from reaching your nectar. Plus, you should be extra cautious during the summer because these materials would require constant replacement and cleaning. But no need to worry! Affiliate Disclaimer: Tipsbulletin.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, Keep Ants From Crawling Up the Hummingbird Feeder, Privacy Policy GDPR Medical Disclaimer DMCA. Just dont forget to seal with hot glue! An ant moat is a small cup. Now spray this around your hummingbird feeder. How to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeders Find and Stop Any Leakages Hang the Feeder Using Fishing Line Put the Feeder Above Water or In a Shady Area of Your Yard Use Adhesive Tape Make it Slippery Move it Often Clean the Feeder Regularly Use Bay Leaves or Diatomaceous Earth Try Household Remedies Like Clove Bud or Peppermint Oil