How Do Ants Keep Hummingbirds Away?
WouterHaving a hummingbird feeder in your yard is a great way to enjoy a beautiful bird. However, ants can become a problem when they swarm into the feeder. There are several solutions to keep them away.
First, you can hang a hummingbird feeder from a tree or rough wall. This will deter ants from climbing up the feeder. You can also hang it from a hook above a patio or deck.
You can also purchase ant-traps. These can be very effective, but can also be messy and expensive. These are best used in combination with a moat.
Ant moats work by putting a water barrier between the ant and the feeder hole. This keeps ants from entering the nectar. A moat can be made from a plastic cup, a wooden box or even from household items. You can purchase a moat for your hummingbird feeder from stores such as Amazon.
Another way to keep ants away from your hummingbird feeder is to spray the inside of the feeder with insecticide. You can use commercial ant-repellent products or make your own. You can also use essential oils, cayenne pepper, lemon water or bay leaves.
Another option is to hang a fake wasp nest over the feeder. However, it is not scientifically proven to work. You can also hang a weather baffle to protect the feeder from rain and bird poop.
Ants do not target hummingbird feeders specifically. However, they do like sugary nectar and can become a problem. You can try moving your feeder, changing its location or applying a natural ant repellent.
