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Are you a fan of nature’s tiny helicopter (Hummingbirds)?

You can create a welcoming environment for Hummingbirds while spending time in your backyard. Hummingbirds always look for nectar, and putting a Hummingbird Feeder in your backyard is an excellent way to attract the colorful creature. You fill the feeder with nectar and hang it in your garden. 

The feeder is not only a source of attraction for hummingbirds but captures the attention of ants too. Ants are always ready to jump into sugary nectar because of its sweetness. Coming of ants towards the hummingbird feeder is a problem because they contaminate the nectar and can prevent hummingbirds from coming.

Will Ants In A Hummingbird Feeder Hurt The Birds?

The dead or decaying ants in the nectar are harmful to hummingbirds. Additionally, the formic acid from certain ants could alter the taste of the hummingbird food. It is generally not possible for ants at the feeder to kill a hummingbird directly, but there’s a potential risk with aggressive ant species.

In particular, if a group of these ants encounters an injured hummingbird, there’s a possibility that they could pose a threat and in extreme cases, lead to death for the bird. Ants can crawl into the sugar-water wells of the feeder and clog them up, making it difficult for hummingbirds to access the nectar.

Do You wonder why ants are attracted to hummingbird feeders?

This is primarily due to the sweet nectar the feeders carry. Additionally, If the feeder has cracks or leaks, the scent of the sugar water can attract ants. Flowing nectar outside the feeder can also draw ants towards it.  It is super important to wipe down the exterior surfaces regularly and clean them. Keeping the feeders clean and free from ants is essential for alluring hummingbirds into your backyard. Hummingbird enthusiasts understand the importance of maintaining a spotless and ant-free environment around hummingbird feeders.

Looking for a guide to keep the Hummingbird Feeder Ants Proof?

You are in the right place. This article provides tips and strategies for keeping ants out of hummingbird feeders. Ready to learn how to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders with these effective strategies and tips? Let’s have a look.

Use ant moats to create a barrier between ants and the feeder

Ant moats are normally little cups of water above the nectar but occasionally below or strategically made in dish-style hummingbird feeders. A hummingbird feeder with a built-in ant moat, an attachment, or a DIY moat are all available options for you. 

Ant moats are effective in keeping ants out of hummingbird feeders. You may buy or install an ant moat. These little water bowls block ants. Zach Hutchinson is a hummingbird bander, ornithologist for the nation’s leading bird conservation nonprofit, and wild bird feeding business consultant. He explains that many hummingbird enthusiasts use moats at the top of the feeders that can be filled with water. 

Place ant moats or guards above the feeder to prevent ants from reaching the nectar. In summer, your ant moat’s water will evaporate rapidly, so be careful. An ant moat filled with water prevents ants from entering the hummingbird feeder. If the moat of your feeder is not filled with water, then there is no benefit to that. You have to make sure that the ants’ moat is filled with water every time.

How To Use Ant Moat For Feeders?

• Select an Ant Moat: You can find ant moats at garden supply stores or online. They typically have a hook for hanging and a small cup to hold water.
• Fill with Water: Pour water into the cup of the ant moat. Make sure it’s filled enough to create a barrier but not overflowing.
• Attach Above Feeder: Hang the ant moat above your hummingbird feeder so that the hook supports both the moat and the feeder.

This simple and chemical-free solution helps keep ants away from the hummingbird feeder without posing any harm to the hummingbirds.

Silicone Moats With Borax

To deter ants from the hummingbird feeders, upgrade traditional water moats by adding a small amount of borax to the water. This natural ant poison, in controlled amounts, effectively prevents ant invasions without posing a threat to hummingbirds. It is an effective way of Keeping ants off the feeders and ensuring that the nectar remains clean and undisturbed by ants.

Borax is a powdery white substance that is widely used as a household cleaner and a booster for laundry detergent. Borax works as an ant deterrent for feeders due to its composition and its impact on the ants’ digestive system.

While borax is a natural product, it should be used with care, especially if you have pets or small children. When you use this method, ensure that the moat is clean and free of debris, and empty the dead ants out regularly.

How Can Borax In Ant Moats Be Used To Deter Ants?

Ingredients

• Borax
• Water
• Ant moat

Instructions

• Prepare Borax Solution: Mix a solution of borax and water. Use a ratio of about 1 tablespoon of borax for every cup of water. Stir well until the borax dissolves.
• Fill the Ant Moat: Fill the ant moat with the borax solution. Ensure that the solution covers the entire inside of the moat.
• Hang the Ant Moat: Hang the ant moat above or below the hummingbird feeder. The moat acts as a barrier, preventing ants from reaching the feeder. The borax solution within the moat acts as an additional deterrent.
• Refill as Needed: Check the ant moat regularly to ensure it remains filled with the borax solution. Refill as needed, especially after rain or if the solution evaporates.

Keep the area around the feeder clean and free of spilled nectar

When you refill the nectar in the feeder, there is always some nectar left behind on the outer side of it, and it can surely attract the ants as they have a strong sense of smell, especially for sugary water or nectar.

They use their antennae to detect sugar in food sources. When an ant discovers food, it leaves a scent trail that other ants can follow to find the food source. So, to keep ants away from the hummingbird feeders, you must clean all the nectar that is outside the feeder. It’s recommended to wipe them down daily when refilling with nectar. 

Various bugs, including bees and wasps, can also be attracted to hummingbird nectar, not just ants. Keeping your bird feeder clean helps deter these unwanted visitors and ensures a more enjoyable environment for the hummingbirds.

Regularly clean your feeder with a solution of water and white vinegar to remove any residual nectar or debris. This routine helps maintain a clean and safe environment for hummingbirds.

Ensure the feeder is hung properly to minimize ant access

To prevent ants from reaching out to the feeder, you must ensure that the hummingbird feeder is hung in a way that resists ants. If you can set up the feeder without direct contact with the ground, then you can prevent ants from reaching out to the feeder.

Hanging the sugary water feeder with cables or pulleys can make it harder for ants to find the feeder and climb it, but there is still a chance that ants can reach out to the feeder by using that cable or pulley that is being used to hang it, So you also have to take some measures for that too. 

Hang Your Hummingbird Feeders With Fishing Line

An effortless way to prevent ants is to hang your hummingbird feeders from a fishing line. You’ll notice that whenever you hang the feeder with the metallic hook, there is a beeline of ants toward it, and as you know, if there are ants in the feeder, then hummingbirds will not visit your garden.

So, to prevent this from happening, you can use a thin or slippery string to hang the feeder, and the fishing line is the best for this use that fishing line which has the strength to hold the weight of a hummingbird feeder filled with nectar. Ants are less likely to crawl across fishing lines compared to other types of hanging materials.

Aluminum Foil Defense

Wrapping the feeder’s hanging apparatus with aluminum foil can help disorientate ants and deter them from advancing toward the feeder. The reflective surface of the foil can confuse or repel the ants.

It’s important to note that the foil may need to be changed frequently due to dust accumulation, and if you do not change the aluminum foil for 2 to 3 days, then you’ll see the ants partying with the hummingbirds while enjoying the nectar.

Try A Bug-Deterring Feeder

To deter ants from hummingbird feeders, you can invest in a feeder with built-in mechanisms such as ant moats or bee guards. Ant moats for hummingbird feeders are small dishes that contain water and drown the ants that gain access to the feeder, while bee guards are tiny plastic caps that keep bees out but allow hummingbirds to drink. These specialized feeders make it difficult for ants to reach the nectar. 

It’s important to avoid using harmful substances that can affect the hummingbirds. As we have discussed above, using some kinds of oils is not recommended as they can harm hummingbirds. It’s better to purchase a feeder with built-in ant moats and bee guards. A bird enthusiast cannot take the risk of harming nature’s tiny birds.

Try a Saucer Feeder

You can use a saucer-style hummingbird feeder. The central space in this type of feeder is a moat that can be filled with plain water. When filled, the moat acts as a barrier, stopping ants and other insects from crawling down the hanger and reaching the nectar. This simple water-filled moat helps keep your feeder free from unwanted creepy crawlers.

Move The Feeder Often

Hummingbirds have a remarkable memory for the location of reliable food sources. You may have noticed that they tend to visit the same feeder from year to year. Ants, as compared to hummingbirds, do not possess long-lasting memory. 

You can regularly change the location of your hummingbird feeder to confuse ants and make it harder for them to find the nectar. When you move the feeders, make sure they’re at least 7 feet away from each other. This way, the ants won’t come back for more food because they usually leave scents to tell other ants about the tasty sugar water. 

Don’t put them too close; keep them apart in the garden. If there are any small trees in your backyard or garden, then this is the perfect place to put feeders, as the hummingbirds like safe places nearby to rest or hide.

Spray Safe Insecticides In The Area

The use of insecticides can have harmful effects on hummingbirds and the environment. Research has shown that neonicotinoid insecticides, which are commonly used, can pose a risk to hummingbirds by disrupting their high-powered metabolism and exposing them to harmful chemicals through contaminated nectar and insects. 

To protect hummingbirds and the environment, it is important to use insecticides that are safe for them. When looking for insecticides, consider those that are labeled as safe for use around birds and pollinators. These insecticides are often derived from natural ingredients such as plant oils and do not persist in the environment.

How To Use The Insecticide Effectively

• Choose a Safe Insecticide: Pick an insect spray that’s safe for hummingbirds and good for the environment. Choose ones without harmful stuff like neonicotinoids. Things like peppermint oil, citronella, or food-grade diatomaceous earth are good options.
• Read and Follow Instructions: Always read and follow the directions on the bug spray. Use the right amount and follow the rules to keep hummingbirds and other animals safe.
• Create a Barrier: Spray the bug spray around the bottom of the hummingbird feeder or where ants might come in. Make a barrier to stop ants without hurting the hummingbirds.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep putting on the bug spray as the instructions say. Do this regularly to keep the barrier strong and stop ants from coming.
• Clean Feeder Regularly: Clean the hummingbird feeder often to stop spills and stickiness. Use a mix of vinegar and water to clean. Keep it filled with fresh nectar.
• Observe Hummingbird Behavior: Watch the hummingbirds to make sure the bug spray isn’t bothering them. If you see any changes in how they act, stop using the bug spray and try something else to keep ants away.
• Environmentally Friendly Alternatives: Try things that don’t use chemicals to stop ants. Use ant moats or barriers filled with water. These can work well without using bug spray.

Consider Ant Moat Alternatives In A Dry Climate

In a dry climate, traditional ant moats with water may not be effective as they tend to dry up quickly. However, there are alternative methods to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders. One alternative is to coat the ant moat with a thin layer of vegetable oil, which acts as a deterrent for ants.

Some products, such as transparent plastic ant moats, are designed to be large and visible, making it easy to monitor the water level, which can be helpful in hot climates where evaporation is a concern.

Use Essential Oils

Ants and bees can be attracted to a small amount of sugary nectar, and sometimes ants make a bridge from the ant moats to the feeder and get access to delicious nectar. To stop them from reaching the feeder, you can also apply a small amount of peppermint, cinnamon, or citrus essential oil around the base of the feeder.

The strong scent of these oils acts as a natural deterrent for ants. Sprinkle or spray a combination of these oils around your hummingbird feeder to keep ants out. While the ingredients won’t kill the ants, they will undoubtedly help deter them from accessing the feeder.

You can also utilize tea tree oil to create a protective barrier. Apply a diluted solution around the feeder, creating an aromatic shield that ants find displeasing, but this is the less recommended way. Avoid using these or any other oils on your pole or hanging equipment. Instead, place a small saucer or dish with some of these oils nearby, as it will likely help reduce the ant problem.

Citrus-Based Repellent

Just make a simple solution using citrus oil or zest and spread it around the feeder’s hanging spot. The strong smell keeps ants at bay so your hummingbirds can enjoy their food in peace.

It will not harm the hummingbirds, and it’s just a natural way to keep those pesky ants out. It’s like giving your hummingbird spot a nice-smelling shield. So, next time you refill the feeder, add a touch of citrus magic, and the hummingbirds will thank you for it.

Double Defense With Cinnamon

If you have tried the ant moats with just water in them, here is a simple solution for your problem: Cinnamon is a popular ant repellent, and combining it with a moat filled with cinnamon-infused water provides a double defense.

This dual approach ensures ants are deterred both from the feeder and its surroundings. Cinnamon is often regarded as an effective DIY ant control option, as it is believed to act as a natural repellent due to its strong smell and the potential danger it poses to ants if they inhale it.

Tea Tree Oil Solution

To deter ants from the hummingbird feeders, you can also use tea tree oil. You just have to mix 5-10 drops of tea tree essential oil with 2 cups of water in a clean plastic spray bottle and then spray that mixture around the pole from where the feeder is hanging.

I once tried to deter ants by soaking cotton wool balls in tea tree oil and placing them near the ants’ entry points, and it really worked well. The strong scent of tea tree oil acts as an anti-ant shield.

Peppermint Defense

Peppermint can be a tremendous natural ant deterrent. You can spray a mixture of peppermint oil and water around the hummingbird feeder. You can also apply the oil on the pole of the feeder, but it can be dangerous for hummingbirds.

The best way to use peppermint is to plant mint near the feeder or crush dried peppermint leaves and sprinkle them around the base of the feeder and along the hanging pole. The strong scent will definitely repel ants.

Adjustable Feeder Height

You can also install an adjustable hook for your hummingbird feeder, allowing you to change its height easily. This dynamic approach keeps ants on their toes, preventing them from finding a consistent path to the nectar.

You have to keep an eye on the feeder every 3 to 4 hours, and you have to change the height of the feeder regularly. A hummingbird lover would do anything like this to distract the ants from the feeder.

Repair Leaks To Bird Feeders Right Away

Leaky bird feeders can attract ants due to the sugary nectar dripping onto the ground. High temperatures can cause leaks in bird feeders. Fill the feeder with cool nectar fluid early in the morning and hang it in the shade to protect it from the hot sun.

Strong wind currents can also cause leaking, so hang the feeder in less windy areas if possible. Regularly inspect your feeder for any signs of damage or wear, and fix any leaks promptly to prevent ants from forming.

Avoid Yellow Decor On The Feeder

Most people use hummingbird feeders with yellow decorations on them to attract the hummingbirds, as the combination of yellow and red looks like flowers in the garden. Still, they don’t know about the fact that the yellow attracts more wasps than the hummingbirds.

So, do not use the yellow-colored decorations; instead, a red bird feeder will bring hummingbirds without inviting wasps.

Do Not Use Petroleum Jelly And Other Oils

While attempting to deter ants from reaching hummingbird feeders, some people make use of substances like Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline), grease, or oil on the hanger rod. It is not recommended to do so because of its negative impact on birds. Also, reapplying these substances can be messy and inconvenient. 

It’s a task that many people find bothersome and time-consuming. Applying petroleum jelly or similar substances is not bird-friendly. If birds come into contact with these materials and they get on their feathers, they cannot easily clean them off. This can lead to difficulties in flying and hinder their ability to insulate themselves from both hot and cold weather.

In warmer temperatures, these substances may melt and trickle down toward the feeder, creating a messy situation. This not only adds to the inconvenience but also has potential environmental implications.

It’s essential to avoid using duct tape or adhesive materials like Tanglefoot. If birds come into contact with duct tape or adhesive substances like Tanglefoot, it can be harmful to them. These materials can stick to feathers, making it difficult for birds to move and fly.

What Are The Problems With Ant Moats In Dry Climates?

In places where it’s hot and dry, using ant moats to keep ants away from hummingbird feeders can pose a few challenges. Ant moats can dry out fast in hot and arid environments. This means you have to refill them often to keep them working correctly.

Dry climates make it harder to maintain ant moats because water evaporates quickly. You need to regularly check and refill them to make sure they continue to do their job of keeping ants away from hummingbird feeders.

Try To Make Your Own Hummingbird Feeder Ant Moat

If you are still thinking about how to keep ants off of hummingbird feeders, then you should make a DIY ant moat for hummingbird feeders; you will need a plastic cup, a nut, an eye hook, and a string. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Drill a hole in the center of the plastic cup.
2. Place the nut on the lower eye hook as close to the eye as possible.
3. Add a dab of silicone sealant to the threads of the nut to prevent water from leaking out.
4. Insert the top eye hook into the coupling nut.
5. Allow the silicone sealant to dry for at least 2 hours.
6. Tie a string to the top eye hook and hang the ant moat from a shepherd’s hook or any other hanger.
7. Fill the cup with water, making sure it covers the nut.

To install the ant moat, hang it above the hummingbird feeder so the ants encounter it first on their way to the feeder. The moat will either drown the ants in the water or force them to turn back. Check the water level regularly and refill as needed. Avoid using anything that can be harmful to the birds.

Conclusion

To attract hummingbirds to your garden, it’s super important to keep their feeder clean. Maintaining an ant-free hummingbird feeder is a nuanced task that requires creativity and adaptability. Use special ant moats, hang the feeder with a fishing line, or put essential oils around. Using bug sprays should be careful, but natural things like borax and cinnamon work well. 

By following and combining these innovative strategies, you can not only prevent ant invasions but also make your garden a happy place for hummingbirds. Experiment with these techniques to discover the most effective combination for your unique hummingbird feeding setup.