Tips For Keeping Wasps And Ants Away From Your Hummingbird Feeder
Posted on: 18 October 2019
Hanging hummingbird feeders in your yard is a good way to attract the cute birds so you can watch them up close. However, what you may not realize is the feeders attract wasps and ants too. Here are some tips for keeping the unwelcome pests out of the feeders so the hummingbirds can feed in peace.
Buy Pest-Proof Hummingbird Feeders
When you buy hummingbird feeders for your yard, look for those made to resist pests. A wasp-proof hummingbird feeder has raised nectar ports. A hummingbird can easily drink from the port, but a wasp is unable to reach the nectar, so the wasp loses interest and stays away from the feeder. A feeder like this allows the birds to feed in peace without being swarmed and buzzed by wasps. You can also buy an ant-proof hummingbird feeder. These are made with little moats that the ants can't cross over to climb to the nectar. These are effective as long as there are no tree branches or bushy leaves near the feeder the ants can use to cross the moat and get to the nectar.
Avoid Using Tape Or Insecticide
While doing things like applying double-sided tape or petroleum jelly to the feeder will trap ants and other pests, the DIY methods, including using insecticide, can also harm the hummingbirds. It's much better to buy a hummingbird feeder designed to keep out wasps, ants, and bees than it is to rig up a DIY method that might end up hurting the birds or causing them to avoid your feeder.
Buy A Red Feeder
Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, and that's why feeders are typically made in this color. However, some feeders also have yellow around the nectar ports for decorative purposes to make the ports look like flowers. Yellow attracts wasps and bees. So, while a feeder may look cute with yellow accents, you may have more problems with insect pests than if you chose a feeder with a plain red base.
Plant Flowers That Draw Wasps Elsewhere
You can beautify your yard and control bees and wasps at the same time with flowers and herbs. Plant flowers around the feeder that repel wasps, and plant flowers on the other side of the yard that bees and wasps are attracted to. Giving wasps their own little garden keeps them occupied so they lose interest in the hummingbird feeders, especially if they're not able to reach the nectar anyway. You can also plant flowers around the feeder that attract hummingbirds, but you will probably have better luck with a hummingbird feeder that can attract the birds with its bright color and plentiful supply of nectar that's easy to reach and always available.
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