how to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders

 Dear Friend,

I hope you’re doing well and enjoying the beauty of your garden. I've been having a bit of a challenge with ants invading my hummingbird feeders lately, and I thought you might have encountered the same issue.

 After some research and a bit of trial and error, I’ve found a few effective strategies to keep these pesky ants away, and I wanted to share them with you.

 How to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeders

Ants can be a real nuisance when it comes to hummingbird feeders. Not only do they contaminate the nectar, but they can also deter our little feathered friends from visiting. Here are some tips that have worked for me:

 Use Ant Moats

One of the most effective solutions I've found is using an ant moat. These are little water-filled barriers that hang above the feeder. Ants can’t swim, so they can’t get past the water to reach the nectar. You can buy ant moats online or at garden stores, or even make your own with a small container filled with water.

 **How to Use Ant Moats:**

1. **Attach the Ant Moat:** Hang the ant moat above the feeder. Make sure it’s securely attached so it doesn’t tip over.

2. **Fill with Water:** Fill the moat with water. Check it regularly to make sure it doesn’t dry out.

Sometimes I use Olive Oil if they can get through water.

Apply Ant Repellent

There are a few natural repellents that ants dislike. One of my favorites is cinnamon. Sprinkling a bit of ground cinnamon around the base of the feeder pole can help keep ants at bay. Another option is to use a small amount of Vaseline or petroleum jelly on the hanger or pole, creating a slippery barrier that ants can’t cross.

**How to Apply Ant Repellent:**

1. **Cinnamon:** Sprinkle ground cinnamon around the base of the feeder pole.

2. **Petroleum Jelly:** Apply a thin layer of Vaseline or petroleum jelly to the hanger or pole.

Keep the Feeder Clean

Ants are attracted to the sugary nectar, but they’re also drawn to any spills or drips. Keeping your feeder clean is crucial. After filling the feeder, wipe away any excess nectar that might attract ants. Regularly clean the feeder with warm, soapy water to remove any residue.

**How to Keep the Feeder Clean:**

1. **Wipe Spills:** After refilling the feeder, wipe away any drips or spills.

2. **Regular Cleaning:** Clean the feeder at least once a week with warm, soapy water, and rinse thoroughly.

 Choose the Right Location

Sometimes, moving the feeder to a new location can help. Ants often follow scent trails, so relocating the feeder might confuse them and break their trail. Try hanging the feeder from a thin wire or fishing line, which ants find difficult to climb.

**How to Choose the Right Location:**

1. **Move the Feeder:** Try relocating the feeder to a different spot in your garden.

2. **Use Thin Wire:** Hang the feeder from a thin wire or fishing line to make it harder for ants to reach it.

Create a Water Barrier

If you’re dealing with persistent ants, another solution is to create a water barrier. Place the feeder in a shallow dish of water. This creates a moat around the feeder, preventing ants from getting to it.

**How to Create a Water Barrier:**

1. **Shallow Dish:** Place a shallow dish or tray under the feeder.

2. **Fill with Water:** Fill the dish with water, ensuring it creates a barrier around the feeder.

Keeping ants out of your hummingbird feeders can be a bit of a challenge, but these strategies should help you maintain a clean and ant-free feeding station. 

By using ant moats, applying natural repellents, keeping the feeder clean, choosing the right location, and creating water barriers, you can ensure that your hummingbirds have a safe and welcoming place to feed.

Have you tried any of these methods, or do you have other tips for keeping ants away from your hummingbird feeders? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you! Let’s chat soon and share our experiences. If you have any questions or need more advice, I’m always here to help.

Take care and happy hummingbird watching!

Warmest regards,  

Jenn