How Do I Keep Ants Out of my Hummingbird Feeder?

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It’s inevitable that small insects will make their way into hummingbird feeders. But once ants find that sugary treat, they can become a real nuisance, forming a seemingly unending trail to the sweet buffet.

Though ants aren’t harmful to hummingbirds, they will likely make the feeder less attractive. If ants have honed in on your sweet stash, here’s how to keep ants out of your hummingbird feeders.

What Is Attracting Ants to My Hummingbird Feeder?

Ants are attracted to hummingbird feeders for the same reason hummingbirds are: sugar is an important source of calories for them. And once any of that sugar water spills, it’s especially likely to catch their attention.

“If you have a bottle-type feeder, these are more likely to leak,” says Jamie Simo, manager at Front Range Birding Company in Boulder, Colorado. Leaks are especially common when it’s hot and the feeder is too full, she says, because hot air expands, pushing the nectar out of the feeding ports and other gaps.

How to Keep Ants Away From My Hummingbird Feeder

Keep it Clean

Feeders with spilled sugar are more likely to attract ants, so fix any leaks in the feeder and, when hanging it, try not to let sugar water drip out, says David Mizejewski, a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation. “While ants at the feeder are an annoyance, focus on prevention and physical barriers to deter them,” he says.

For hummingbird safety, it’s also vital to replace the liquid and clean your feeder every few days (or every day or two in extremely hot weather) to prevent mold and spoiling. “It can’t be stated enough: moldy sugar water can kill hummingbirds,” says Simo.

Use Ant Moats and Anti-Ant Feeders

Some hummingbird feeders have built-in ant moats that you fill with water, which are effective since ants can’t swim, says Simo. If your feeder didn’t come with a moat, you can purchase ones that either hang above the feeder or mount to the pole below. You can also try hanging your feeder over a water source, like a pond or bird bath.

Try a New Location

If your feeders are still getting swarmed by ants, try moving them to a new spot, says Emma Grace Crumbley, an entomologist with Mosquito Squad. “Hummingbirds will still find and visit your feeders, even if you move them to a new location.”

What NOT to Do to Keep Ants Away From My Hummingbird Feeder

Never use pesticides to kill ants at a feeder. Pesticides can harm hummingbirds directly and indirectly by killing non-target insects that hummingbirds eat and contaminating the nectar that they feed to their young, says Mizejewski.

Also, never use oils, grease or anything sticky near the feeder or on the pole to deter ants, all of which could harm hummingbirds by destroying their feathers, plus harm squirrels, making them unable to thermoregulate, says Simo. “Also, if the substance is toxic, it could harm or even kill the animal if ingested,” she says.

In general, to protect hummingbirds, never use red dyes in your sugar water, and if you make your own, use refined, white granulated sugar, says Simo. “Natural sugar has too much iron for hummingbirds and can harm them,” she says. Simo also recommends avoiding feeders with yellow flowers if wasps and bees frequent your yard, since yellow attracts them.

FAQ

Will ants in my hummingbird feeder hurt the hummingbirds?

Not directly. But ants that drown in the sugar water will make the feeder less attractive to hummingbirds. Ants can also clog feeder ports and cause the water to mold more quickly, especially in hot weather, says Simo.

What do hummingbirds eat?

Hummingbirds get energy from sugar in flower nectar and hummingbird feeders, but they also need protein and other nutrients to survive. “Believe it or not, hummingbirds feed on ants and other small bugs like aphids, gnats and mosquitoes,” says Crumbley.

About the Experts

• David Mizejewski is a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation and author of Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife. He spends his life exploring and observing the natural world and promoting wildlife-friendly gardening.
• Jamie Simo is manager and trip leader at the Front Range Birding Company in Boulder, Colorado. She holds a B.A. in environmental science and is a Denver Audubon Master Birder with a passion for educating others on how to care for natural resources.
• Emma Grace Crumbley is an entomologist at Mosquito Squad and a self-described bug nerd who uses her expertise to educate people about the fascinating world of bugs.

Sources

Bill Freimuth, Vice President of Sales at Centurion Brands.