If you are facing the problem of ants invading your hummingbird feeder, know that you are not alone. For bird watchers, this is a common problem because ants easily get attracted to sweet nectar that is meant for hummingbirds. Besides spoiling the nectar, the presence of ants will keep the birds from returning. Here are some tips and solutions that will help you to solve the problem of how you keep ants out of hummingbird feeders.
Install an Ant Moat
Probably the most universally suggested and effective method of all is an ant moat. It is a little water barrier that fits between the feeder and its hook. Ants cannot swim, so they will not be able to cross the moat to get to your nectar. If your feeder doesn’t have one, it’s very easy to buy one online or make one yourself with just a small cup of water.
Pro Tip: You want to keep the moat full, especially during hot weather, as evaporation happens fast.
Fishing Line
Another easy hack is hanging your feeder using a fishing line. The surface of the line is just too slick and too thin for ants to climb, thus becoming an efficient ant barrier. This technique comes in quite handy in regions where water evaporates very fast.
Natural Repellents
Some environmentally friendly repellents will help drive the ants from your feeders. Strong-smelling herbs such as mint, cinnamon, and cloves, repel ants. Sprinkle them around the ground at the bottom of the feeder, or take mint leaves and rub them on the feeder’s hook to keep them away.
Pro Tip: Some plants, like lavender, marigold, or mint, have ant-repelling properties and could be used as a natural barrier around your feeder. These plants add to the beauty of your garden, too!
Relocate the Feeder
Setting the feeder in a new location can break the trail the ants have developed. Ants follow scent trails to food sources. If you change the location of the feeder, the ants will get confused and won’t be able to find it. Place the feeder at least 10 feet away from any plant life or structure that could provide a means for the ants to reach the feeder. For more tips on finding the perfect spot for your hummingbird feeder, check out our placement guide.
Keep the Feeder Clean
The best way to prevent problems in the first place would be through regular cleaning. Ants are desperate for those spills from the nectar feeders, so clean up spills and keep the feeder in good condition. If you notice a group of ants assembling around the feeder, there could be some slight leak within it. Clean your feeder completely at least once every week in very hot water with mild soap and make sure it is dry before filling it with nectar again.
Does Vaseline stop ants from getting on hummingbird feeders?
Some people put Vaseline or petroleum jelly on the hanging line of the feeder to avoid the coming of ants, but that is not a good approach. Though Vaseline indeed provides a slippery surface that the ants cannot cross, it is harmful to the birds. If hummingbirds come in contact with the Vaseline, it sticks to their feathers and impairs flight. A safer alternative is a fishing line or an ant moat instead of Vaseline.
Use Less Appealing Nectar
If the ants persist, try using nectar which is less appealing to them. One way to do this is by coating the bird seeds or nectar in a non-toxic hot pepper solution; ants don’t like spicy tastes. It will not deter the hummingbirds, though, because it can’t feel the spiciness.
Additional Tips on How to Keep Ants Away from Hummingbird Feeders
Relocate the Feeders often: This will discourage the ants from laying a permanent scent path leading to your feeder.
Avoid Hanging Feeders Near Trees or Structures: Ants will have easy access to the feeder by climbing nearby vegetation or other structures.
Use Baffles: Above the feeder, install dome-shaped baffles to prevent the ant from climbing downwards.
The challenge is to keep ants away from the hummingbird feeders, but with an ant moat, fishing line, or some organic repellent in place, you could be able to keep them off. Keep in mind to not harm them with Vaseline and never neglect to clean up the feeder as a means of keeping your hummingbirds healthy. This will help extend the life of your feeder while allowing you to enjoy some quiet moments of bird watching. Learn more about different hanging methods to keep pests away in our bird feeder hanging guide.
