Hummingbirds are fun as backyard visitors, but there is a downside: the sugary nectar in their feeders can also attract ants. That’s because a hummingbird feeder dispenses nectar, which is a rich sugar-water solution that can accidentally attract other critters, too.
In fact, ants will leave behind scent trails that can summon a whole colony. “Once ants discover a nectar feeder, they are relentless,” says Mark McKellar, wildlife biologist, co-owner of Backyard Bird Center, and founder of YouTube channel Mark’s Backyard Birds. “They quickly cover the ports, and many (especially the small ‘sugar’ ants) get into the feeders and drown. The hummingbirds have a hard time getting to the ports, and the formic acid from in the ants taint the sugar mixture.”
By blocking the feeding ports and contaminating the solution, ants naturally deter hummingbirds from stopping by. “Hummingbirds actively avoid nectar sources where ants are present, using taste and touch to detect and reject them, even when the ants aren't obvious to the eye,” says Bethany Sloan, general manager of the Idaho-based hummingbird brand Pop's Birding. The good news? There are a few simple solutions and easy fixes that can effectively get rid of ants, so your hummingbird feeder is pest-free and more inviting. If you’re wondering how to keep ants out of your hummingbird feeder, try these expert tricks.
Choose a Saucer-Style Feeder
Because leaking nectar attract ants like magnets, opting for a saucer-shaped feeder instead of a bottle-style feeder will keep nectar leaks—and, therefore, ant infestations—at bay. “Saucer-style feeders hold nectar in a shallow basin below the ports, so there's no sealed air pocket to cause problem,” Sloan explains. “Bottle-style, gravity-fed feeders tend to leak more, especially in hot weather, since the air trapped above the nectar expands with heat and pushes nectar out through the ports.”
Add a Water-Filled Ant Moat
One of the most effective anti-ant solutions, according to both experts, is placing a water-filled ant moat between the hook and the feeder. Ants access hummingbird feeders by crawling down the hanger, so adding a moat and filling it with water will cut off the insects’ main entryway. “Ants either drown trying to cross it or don't attempt it at all,” Sloan explains.
Keep the Basin Consistently Full
While a water-filled ant moat is pretty much foolproof, it only works if the basin is consistently full of water, Sloan notes. Otherwise, the tiny bugs will just walk right across the empty moat toward the feeder instead of getting trapped in it. “The moat needs to be checked and topped off as the water evaporates,” Sloan advises.
Clean the Feeder Regularly
Even if you buy a leak-resistant, saucer-style hummingbird feeder, you’ll need to consistently clean the apparatus to discourage ants from coming over. “Keeping any feeder clean and leak-free matters just as much as either barrier, since sugary residue is exactly the kind of scent trail that draws a scout ant's attention in the first place,” Sloan says. Regularly wiping up spills and leaks will destroy the scent trail, making the feeder way less enticing to ants.
Consider a Monofilament Fishing Line
Because ants typically enter a hummingbird feeder by climbing down whatever wire the feeder is hanging from, suspending yours from a piece of monofilament fishing line will make that journey a lot more difficult. Sloan explains that this easy, cost-effective trick “gives ants very little to grip as they climb down,” so it’ll act as a powerful barrier, particularly if you use it alongside a water-filled ant moat.
Plant Some Mint Nearby
Sloan recommends planting mint near your hummingbird feeder, so the strong, minty aroma dominates ants’ sense of smell rather than the sweet nectar scent. Since these pests rely on scent to find food, mint can discourage them from climbing down your hummingbird feeder. Not only is it an extra defense against an ant infestation, but you’ll have fresh mint leaves at your fingertip!
Skip Petroleum Jelly
Even though petroleum jelly is a strong ant deterrent, not many people realize that the sticky substance is dangerous for hummingbirds. According to McKellar, the oily solution can stick to the birds’ feet and wings, and because they can’t preen the grease from their feathers, it can destroy their ability to fly. Instead of coating the hooks and stems in petroleum jelly, stick to more bird-friendly ant-fighting solutions.
Avoid Using Chemical Ant Guards
Like petroleum jelly, pesticide-based ant guards might seem promising, but they’re destructive to hummingbirds. While these contraptions successfully block ants from reaching bird feeders, they’re loaded with chemicals that can contaminate the nectar. “Some anti-ant devices contain pesticides, and I do not recommend placing anything like that above a nectar feeder for the fear that it leaches into the sugar water,” McKellar says.
By making these seamless adjustments, you’ll protect your hummingbird feeder from ant invaders and give these wondrous birds a safe, delicious food source to fuel their aerial tricks and lightning-fast flights.
Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.
