8 Easy Tips to Keep Ants Out of Your Hummingbird Feeders
8 Easy Tips to Keep Ants Out of Your Hummingbird Feeders
Feeding hummingbirds is one of those simple pleasures in life for bird lovers. You put up a feeder, fill it with nectar, and before you know it—zip!—a hummingbird appears, darting around like a tiny jewel in flight.
But there's one thing that can spoil the fun fast: ants. These tiny invaders love sugar just as much as hummingbirds do, and if you’re not careful, they’ll turn your nectar buffet into their own private snack bar.
So, what kind of problems can ants cause? Are they dangerous to hummingbirds? Most importantly—how, how do you keep ants away from your hummingbird feeders?
Let’s dive into 8 tried-and-true tips to keep your hummingbird feeders ant-free and bird-ready!
Understand the Ant Problem
Ants may be small, but don’t underestimate them. One ant is no big deal, but 1,000? 200,000? Now we’re talking invasion.
Like hummingbirds, ants have a serious sweet tooth. That nectar you lovingly prepared? Ants smell it from far away and will go to great lengths to reach it. And once they do, it’s only a matter of time before your feeder turns into an ant trap—literally.
Ants drown in the nectar, contaminate it, and scare off your feathered visitors. So prevention is key!
Use an Ant Moat
An ant moat is one of the easiest and most effective tools to stop ants in their tracks.
Think of it like a mini moat around a castle—except it’s around your feeder. These water-filled barriers block ants from crawling down and reaching the nectar. Some feeders have built-in moats; others can be added above or below the feeder.
Just remember to keep the moat full of water, especially on hot days when it can quickly evaporate.
Try an Ant Guard with Permethrin
When ants are especially persistent, ant moats might not be enough. That’s where an ant guard comes in.
These clever devices use a safe chemical called Permethrin that repels insects (but won’t harm hummingbirds or people). Just attach one to the hook or pole above the feeder. The ants will think twice before coming any closer.
Move the Feeder
Sometimes, the easiest fix is a change of scenery.
If ants keep showing up, move the feeder to a new spot in your yard. As long as it’s not near an ant trail or nest, it may take them a while to rediscover it—if at all. Hummingbirds won’t mind the change, especially if it’s still in a safe, quiet location.
Hang the Feeder with Fishing Line
Want a clever DIY trick? Hang your feeder with fishing line.
Ants have trouble walking on the slick surface of monofilament. It’s like trying to walk on ice. Use a line strong enough to hold the feeder’s weight (4-pound test or more), and you’ll have an ant-resistant setup that’s simple and inexpensive.
Check for Leaks and Cracks
A leaky feeder is an ant magnet.
Even a small drip of sugar water can attract an entire colony. Once ants find spilled nectar on the ground, they’ll follow the trail right up to the source.
Inspect your feeders often and replace any that are cracked or dripping. A dry, clean feeder is far less tempting to ants.
Clean the Outside of the Feeder
It’s not just what’s inside that matters—sugar can build up on the outside, too.
When hummingbirds feed, they sometimes splash or spill nectar. Over time, that sticky residue becomes a beacon for ants. So make it a habit to wipe down the outside of the feeder regularly, especially around the feeding ports.
Use Natural Ant Repellents
Nature has some great tools for keeping ants away!
Try rubbing mint leaves or bay leaves along the feeder pole or hanging hook. Ants can’t stand the smell of these herbs. You can also place crushed mint or bay leaves at the base of the pole—or even plant mint nearby for long-term protection.
Just remember to refresh the scent after rain or watering.
Bonus Tip: Hang the Feeder Over Water
Want the ultimate ant barrier? Hang the feeder over a pond or fountain.
The water acts like a giant moat—no ant bridges, no climbing. If you have a bird-friendly water feature, it can double as a scenic and effective ant deterrent.
Just make sure the feeder is high and secure enough to stay dry!
FAQ: Quick Answers to Ant Problems
Q: What smells drive ants away? A: Mint, cinnamon, citrus peels, cloves, coffee grounds, and cayenne pepper all work well.
Q: Can I use Vaseline to block ants? A: Technically yes—but don’t. Petroleum jelly can be harmful to hummingbirds if it gets on their feathers or feet.
Q: Does copper repel ants? A: Somewhat! Ants dislike crossing copper surfaces, but it’s not a foolproof solution.
Q: What do ants hate the most? A: White vinegar and coffee grounds are two of their least favorite things.
With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your hummingbird visitors without worrying about unwanted six-legged guests. Keep your feeders clean, secure, and ant-proof—and let the hummingbird show begin!
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