One of the best ways to prevent ants from getting into your hummingbird feeder is to keep the area around the feeder clean. This means regular sweeping and/or vacuuming of the area as well as cleaning up any spills that might occur.
If you have an ant problem in your yard there are a few things you can do to help control them. One is to try and identify where they are coming from and seal up any cracks or openings that they might be using to gain access to your yard. Another is to use an insecticide specifically designed to kill ants. However be sure to use one that is safe for use around hummingbirds as many insecticides can be harmful to them.
There are also a few commercial products available that are specifically designed to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders. These can be purchased online or at many garden or bird supply stores.
One final note – if you do find ants in your hummingbird feeder be sure to clean it thoroughly with hot soapy water to prevent them from coming back.
How can I keep ants from getting into my hummingbird feeder?
There are a few things you can do to keep ants from getting into your hummingbird feeder.
One is to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to the outside of the feeder around the ports.
Another is to hang the feeder from a wire or string so that ants cannot reach it.
Finally you can try making a homemade ant moat by filling a small dish with water and placing it under the feeder.
How often should I clean my hummingbird feeder?
You should clean your hummingbird feeder at least once a week and more often if it is in a particularly dirty or humid environment.
To clean the feeder simply remove the ports and soak them in a diluted vinegar solution for a few minutes.
rinse the feeder well and allow it to air dry before adding fresh nectar.
What is the best way to keep my hummingbird feeder clean?
The best way to keep your hummingbird feeder clean is to soak the ports in a diluted vinegar solution for a few minutes each week and to rinse the feeder well with fresh water.
You should also avoid using any soaps or detergents on the feeder as these can be harmful to the birds.
I’ve noticed that ants are crawling on my hummingbird feeder.
Is this harmful to the birds?
While ants crawling on the outside of the hummingbird feeder are not necessarily harmful to the birds they can indicate that the feeder is not clean.
Ants are attracted to the sugar in the nectar so if there are ants on the feeder it likely means that there is nectar leaking from the ports.
To clean the feeder remove the ports and soak them in a diluted vinegar solution for a few minutes.
Rinse the feeder well and allow it to air dry before adding fresh nectar.
Can I use any type of sugar in my hummingbird nectar?
No you should not use any type of sugar other than white sugar in your hummingbird nectar.
Other types of sugar such as brown sugar or honey can be fermented by the birds and cause them to become sick.
How much sugar should I add to my hummingbird nectar?
The amount of sugar you should add to your hummingbird nectar depends on the recipe you are using.
However a general rule of thumb is to use 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
I’ve noticed that my hummingbird nectar has started to turn brown.
Is this normal?
No this is not normal.
If your hummingbird nectar turns brown it means that it has been fermenting and is now unsafe for the birds to consume.
You should discard any nectar that has turned brown and make fresh nectar using the proper proportions of sugar and water.
Can I add food coloring to my hummingbird nectar?
No you should not add food coloring to your hummingbird nectar.
Food coloring is not necessary and can actually be harmful to the birds.
I think one of my hummingbirds is sick.
What should I do?
If you think one of your hummingbirds is sick the best thing to do is to take it to a local wildlife rehabilitation center.
The staff at these centers will be able to properly care for the bird and provide it with the necessary treatment.
I found a hummingbird nest.
Should I intervene?
No you should not intervene if you find a hummingbird nest.
These birds are very protective of their nests and will likely abandon the nest if they feel that it is being disturbed.
If you are concerned about the welfare of the nestlings you can contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for advice.
A hummingbird flew into my house.
What should I do?
If a hummingbird flies into your house the best thing to do is to open all of the doors and windows to give it a way to escape.
If the bird is still inside after a few minutes you can try gently coaxing it towards an open door or window with a broom.
Do not try to catch the bird as this will only stress it out more.
I think a hummingbird hit my window.
What should I do?
If you think a hummingbird has hit your window the best thing to do is to check the bird for injuries.
If the bird appears to be injured you can take it to a local wildlife rehabilitation center.
If the bird does not appear to be injured you can release it outside.
I found a hummingbird on the ground.
Is it sick?
Not necessarily.
Hummingbirds sometimes rest on the ground and this is not necessarily a sign of illness.
However if the bird appears to be injured or is not moving you can take it to a local wildlife rehabilitation center.
A hummingbird keeps coming to my house.
What should I do?
If a hummingbird keeps coming to your house it is likely because it is attracted to the sugar in your hummingbird nectar.
To keep the bird from coming into your house you can try putting a small dish of sugar water outside.
The bird will drink from the dish and should not be attracted to your nectar anymore.
I found a hummingbird egg on the ground.
What should I do?
If you find a hummingbird egg on the ground the best thing to do is to leave it where it is.
These birds are very protective of their eggs and will likely abandon the egg if it is moved.
