Watching hummingbirds hover and zip around your yard is a true backyard joy. But nothing spoils the moment faster than discovering ants swarming the feeder. While these tiny invaders are drawn to the same sugary nectar hummingbirds love, they can quickly contaminate the food and drive the birds away. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to protect your feeder from ants—without harming the birds or using dangerous chemicals.
Here are six safe and clever tricks to keep ants away from your hummingbird feeder:
1. Install an Ant Moat
An ant moat is one of the most reliable solutions. This small device sits above your hummingbird feeder and holds water. Since ants can’t swim, they’ll be stopped in their tracks before they can reach the nectar. If water evaporates quickly in your area, a few drops of vegetable oil can work just as well. You can also create a DIY version using bottle caps or small containers.
2. Use an Ant Guard
Similar to moats, ant guards are placed above the feeder and contain a safe insecticide that deters ants on contact. When used properly, these guards are safe for both hummingbirds and humans. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions and never apply the insecticide directly to the feeder.
3. Fix Any Leaks or Drips
Leaky feeders are ant magnets. Check your hummingbird feeder for cracks or loose parts and tighten or seal them using plumber’s tape. Try moving the feeder to a shaded spot so the nectar doesn’t thin out and drip in the heat. Also, consider switching up the feeder location if ants keep finding it.
4. Spray Natural Insect Repellents Nearby
Avoid harsh chemicals and opt for natural insect repellents like neem oil. Spray it around the base of the feeder, deck railing, or any spot where you see ants gathering—but never directly on the feeder. These repellents discourage ants without affecting hummingbirds or other wildlife.
5. Suspend Feeder with Fishing Line
Fishing line is slippery and hard for ants to climb. Replacing ropes or poles with strong fishing line makes it much harder for ants to reach the feeder. Just make sure the line is sturdy enough to hold the weight of a full nectar feeder.
6. Clean the Feeder Regularly
Ants are attracted to sticky residue, so keeping your feeder clean is key. Wipe down the outside daily and refill the nectar often. If you use an ant moat, dump out any dead bugs and refresh the water regularly. A tidy feeder is far less likely to attract ants.
What to Avoid When Dealing with Ants?
Some commonly suggested ant-control methods can do more harm than good. Avoid these:
- Petroleum jelly: It may block ants but can stick to hummingbirds’ feathers, affecting their ability to fly.
- Sticky traps or tape: These can injure birds if they brush against them.
- Spraying pesticides directly on or near the feeder: Even natural options should not touch surfaces that birds land on or feed from.
- Insecticides in the moat: Never put insecticides in water moats—they’re meant to trap ants with water only.
Final Thoughts
With a few smart tweaks and regular maintenance, you can keep ants away from your hummingbird feeder and enjoy uninterrupted visits from these magical birds. From ant moats to fishing line tricks, these solutions are simple, safe, and bird-friendly. Happy birdwatching!