Struggling with ants invading your hummingbird feeder? Discover top tips on how to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders and enjoy ant-free birdwatching.

There's nothing quite like watching a hummingbird zip around your yard, its wings buzzing and colorful feathers gleaming in the sunlight. These tiny creatures bring a sense of joy and beauty to any garden. However, there’s one tiny problem that can quickly ruin the experience—ants! If you've ever found your hummingbird feeder overrun with these uninvited guests, you're not alone. Ants are attracted to the sweet nectar just as much as the hummingbirds are, and once they find your feeder, they’ll keep coming back. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you How to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeders: Top Tips to ensure your feeder is a no-ant zone, allowing you and your hummingbirds to enjoy a peaceful, pest-free experience.

How to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeders: Top Tips

1. Use an Ant Moat

One of the simplest and most effective methods to keep ants out of your feeder is by using an ant moat. These clever little devices create a water barrier that ants can’t cross.

What is an Ant Moat? It’s essentially a small, water-filled cup that sits above your hummingbird feeder. The hanger passes through the middle, and ants trying to crawl down to the feeder get stuck at the moat because they can’t swim across.
How to Use It: Fill the moat with water and hang it above your feeder. Be sure to check it regularly and refill it as needed, especially after rain or hot days.

An ant moat is a simple yet effective tool to keep ants away from your hummingbird feeder. It’s a small, water-filled cup that sits above the feeder, with the feeder’s hanger passing through the center. As ants attempt to crawl down to the sweet nectar, they encounter the water-filled barrier and get stuck, since they can’t swim across. This prevents them from reaching the feeder and contaminating the food. To use an ant moat, simply fill it with water and hang it directly above your hummingbird feeder. Be sure to check it regularly, especially after rain or on hot days when the water may evaporate. Keeping the moat full ensures that your hummingbird feeder stays ant-free and your birds can enjoy their food undisturbed.

2. Try a Sticky Barrier

Ants are persistent little creatures, but they can’t walk through everything! A sticky barrier can stop them in their tracks—literally.

Petroleum Jelly: Smear a small amount of petroleum jelly on the hanger of your feeder. Ants will get stuck in the gooey substance and won’t make it to the nectar.
Tanglefoot or Similar Products: You can also use commercial sticky products like Tanglefoot. Apply it around the pole or hanger to create an ant-proof barrier. Just make sure the sticky substance is far from where the birds will perch or feed.

Keeping ants away from your hummingbird feeder can be a challenge, but using petroleum jelly or commercial products like Tanglefoot can provide an effective solution. By smearing a small amount of petroleum jelly on the hanger of your feeder, you create a sticky barrier that traps ants before they can reach the nectar. The gooey substance prevents ants from crawling down to the feeder, keeping it free from contamination. Alternatively, you can apply products like Tanglefoot, a commercial sticky substance, around the pole or hanger to block ants from accessing the feeder. Be sure to place it well away from areas where birds perch or feed to keep them safe. These simple methods can help maintain an ant-free feeder for your hummingbirds.

3. Hang Feeders in the Right Spot

Where you place your feeder plays a huge role in keeping ants at bay. Choosing the right spot can make all the difference.

Avoid Trees and Shrubs: Ants often use trees, branches, and other structures to climb up and reach the feeder. Hanging your feeder from a pole in an open area reduces the chances of ants finding it.
Use a Shepherd’s Hook: If you have to hang your feeder near trees or bushes, use a shepherd’s hook that’s at least 5 feet tall. This will elevate the feeder away from ants crawling up from the ground.

To keep ants away from your hummingbird feeder, it’s essential to be mindful of where you hang it. Avoid placing the feeder near trees, shrubs, or other structures that ants can use to climb and reach the nectar. Ants often use nearby branches or plants as bridges to access the feeder. Instead, try hanging it from a pole in an open area, which reduces the chances of ants finding their way to the food. If you need to hang the feeder near trees or bushes, consider using a shepherd’s hook. A hook that’s at least 5 feet tall elevates the feeder and makes it harder for ants to crawl up from the ground. These positioning strategies can effectively deter ants from invading your feeder.

Natural Ant Deterrents

4. Use Essential Oils

If you're looking for a natural, chemical-free way to keep ants out of your hummingbird feeder, essential oils might be your best friend.

Peppermint Oil: Ants hate the strong smell of peppermint. Simply dab a bit of peppermint oil around the feeder’s base and hanger. The scent will deter ants from approaching.
Cinnamon Oil: Another powerful deterrent is cinnamon oil. Like peppermint, its strong scent is off-putting to ants. Apply it to the same areas as peppermint oil.
Lavender Oil: Besides its lovely scent, lavender oil can help keep ants away. Bonus—it smells great for you and adds a pleasant aroma to your garden.

Using essential oils like peppermint, cinnamon, and lavender can be a natural and fragrant way to keep ants away from your hummingbird feeder. Ants dislike strong scents, and peppermint oil is especially effective in deterring them. Simply dab a bit around the feeder’s base and hanger to create a barrier ants won’t want to cross. Cinnamon oil works in a similar way, offering a powerful scent that drives ants away. You can apply it to the same areas for added protection. Lavender oil is another great option, and while it keeps ants at bay, it also leaves a lovely fragrance in your garden for you to enjoy. These essential oils offer an easy, pleasant-smelling solution to keep ants out of your feeder.

5. Create a DIY Ant Trap

If you like to get crafty, a DIY ant trap can help control the ant population without affecting your hummingbird feeder.

How to Make It: Fill a small container with a mixture of sugar water and a bit of borax. Ants will be attracted to the sugar, but the borax will eliminate them. Place the trap away from the feeder so that ants go for the trap rather than the nectar.

Creating a simple ant trap using sugar water and borax is an effective way to keep ants away from your hummingbird feeder. This homemade solution attracts ants with the sugar, but the borax will ultimately eliminate them. To make the trap, fill a small container with a mixture of sugar water and a small amount of borax, which disrupts the ants' digestive system. Be sure to place the trap away from the feeder so the ants are drawn to it instead of the nectar. This method not only controls the ant population around your feeder but also prevents them from contaminating the hummingbird food, keeping the area safe for your feathered friends while eliminating the pest problem.

How to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeders: Maintenance and Upkeep

6. Clean Your Feeder Regularly

One of the most important steps in keeping ants away from your hummingbird feeder is regular cleaning. A clean feeder means fewer scents to attract ants.

Frequency: Clean your feeder at least once a week, and more often during hot weather.
How to Clean: Use warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals that could harm the birds. Scrub out any old nectar residue and rinse thoroughly before refilling.

Keeping your hummingbird feeder clean is essential for the health and safety of your feathered visitors. To ensure the nectar stays fresh and free of harmful mold or bacteria, aim to clean your feeder at least once a week. During hot weather, it's best to clean it more frequently, as the nectar can spoil quickly in high temperatures. Cleaning is simple: use warm water and mild soap to scrub away any old nectar residue, making sure to avoid harsh chemicals that could harm the birds. After thoroughly scrubbing the feeder, rinse it well to ensure no soap remains before refilling it with fresh nectar. Regular cleaning not only protects the hummingbirds but also keeps the feeder functioning efficiently.

7. Avoid Leaky Feeders

A leaking feeder is like a neon sign for ants, letting them know there’s a sweet treat waiting for them. Make sure your feeder isn’t dripping or leaking nectar.

Check for Cracks: Inspect your feeder for any cracks or damage. Even a small leak can attract ants.
Tighten Lids: Ensure all parts of your feeder are screwed on tightly to prevent nectar from spilling out.

Maintaining your hummingbird feeder involves more than just cleaning; it's also important to check for any potential leaks or damage that could attract ants. Start by inspecting your feeder for cracks or small openings that might cause nectar to drip out, as even a small leak can be enough to lure ants. If you notice any damage, it may be time to repair or replace the feeder. Additionally, make sure all parts of the feeder, such as lids and seams, are tightly secured to prevent accidental spills. Tightening the lids and ensuring the feeder is leak-proof not only keeps the ants away but also ensures that your hummingbirds can enjoy their nectar undisturbed. Regular maintenance helps keep your feeder clean, functional, and pest-free.

Conclusion

With these How to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeders: Top Tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating an ant-free environment for your feathered friends. Whether you opt for an ant moat, sticky barrier, or natural deterrents like essential oils, the key is consistency and upkeep. Regular cleaning and strategic placement can go a long way in ensuring your hummingbird feeder remains a haven for birds—not ants. So, give these tips a try and enjoy watching your hummingbirds flutter in peace! Happy birdwatching!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will ants harm hummingbirds?

Ants don’t typically harm hummingbirds directly, but they can contaminate the nectar. Once ants find their way into the feeder, they can spoil the nectar, making it unappealing for the birds.

2. Can I use insecticides around my feeder?

It’s best to avoid insecticides near your hummingbird feeder. Many chemicals can be harmful to the birds, and there are plenty of natural ways to keep ants away without risking their health.

3. What should I do if ants keep coming back?

If ants continue to return, double-check your feeder’s location and consider using a combination of methods—like an ant moat and essential oils. Regularly clean your feeder to reduce attraction, and ensure there are no leaks.

4. How often should I refill my ant moat?

Refill your ant moat whenever it’s low on water, which can vary depending on the weather. Check it regularly, especially after rain or hot days when water can evaporate quickly.

5. Are there feeders specifically designed to keep ants out?

Yes! Some feeders come with built-in ant moats or ant-proof designs. If you’re struggling with ant problems and don’t want to add additional deterrents, purchasing an ant-proof feeder may be a good solution.