Pests can be a hazard to hummingbird feeders. There are many different types of pests that can infest a hummingbird feeder, including ants, bees, wasps, and spiders. These pests can not only steal the nectar from the feeder, but they can also contaminate the nectar with their own body fluids or excrement. This can be dangerous for the hummingbirds who consume the contaminated nectar.
There are a few things you can do to protect your hummingbird feeder from pests. but first, identify the specific pest you’re dealing with. Once you know what type of pest is infesting your feeder, you can take specific steps to get rid of them and prevent them from coming back.
How to keep ants out of my hummingbird feeder?
If ants are infesting your feeder, you can try a few different methods to get rid of them. One is to apply a line of petroleum jelly around the base of the feeder. The ants will be unable to cross this barrier and they will eventually give up and go away. Another method is to mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to mist the ants. The vinegar will repel them and they will stay away from the area.
How to keep Bees out of my hummingbird feeder?
If bees are getting into your feeder, you can try hanging the feeder from a tree branch or other high location. Bees are attracted to the colour red, so you can also try painting the outside of the feeder with red paint. This will make it less attractive to bees and they will be less likely to bother with it.
How to keep wasps out of my hummingbird feeder?
Wasps are attracted to the sweetness of the nectar, so one way to keep them away is to add a bit of chilli powder or cayenne pepper to the nectar. This will make it too spicy for the wasps and they will stay away. Another method is to use a yellow dish under the feeder. Wasps are attracted to the colour yellow, so this will lure them away from the feeder itself.
How to keep spiders out of my hummingbird feeder?
Spiders can be a bit more difficult to deter because they are not necessarily attracted to anything specific. One method is to apply a line of petroleum jelly around the base of the feeder. This will create a barrier that the spiders will not be able to cross. Another method is to hang the feeder from a tree branch or other high location. This will make it more difficult for the spiders to access the feeder and they will eventually give up and go away.
How to keep other birds out of my hummingbird feeder?
If other birds are getting into your feeder, you can try hanging the feeder from a tree branch or other high location. This will make it more difficult for them to access the feeder and they will eventually give up and go away. You can also try removing the perch from the feeder. This will make it less inviting for birds to land on and they will be less likely to bother with it.
How to keep bears out of my hummingbird feeder?
The real hazard with bears is being close to human activity. If you do have a bear problem, the best way to handle it is by removing the bear’s food source: your hummingbird feeder. Takedown the feeder and put it away until the bear has moved on. If necessary, you can also contact your local wildlife agency for help with dealing with the bear.
You can also take general steps to prevent pests from getting into your hummingbird feeder in the first place. Keep the area around the feeder clean and free of debris. trim back any branches or vegetation that might be providing a way for pests to get to the feeder. And be sure to empty and clean the feeder regularly, as this will remove any nectar that might be attracting pests in the first place.
You can also try using a commercial hummingbird feeder protector. These devices fit over the top of the feeder and have tiny holes that only hummingbirds can access. This will keep all other pests out while still allowing the hummingbirds to reach the nectar.
